ELIZABETH
Politically and economically Elizabeth I, who reigned from 1558-1603, has marked herself out as one of the most cautious rulers ever to occupy the throne. She was also a very shrewd leader. She became queen in 1558 when the country was still marked by deep religious divisions. She refused to be used as a focus point for the Protestant factions but reversed laws promoting Catholicism established by her sister Mary. Abroad, she attempted to avoid wars with the great Catholic powers, but still became entangled in a six-year long conflict with Spain. Her fame was assured through her defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588. At home she practised economic prudence. She financed Parliament from her own money and called in coinage from previous regins