The Queen

       

Dwain Linden Photography

   
       Last but not least, Queen Elizabeth was a character literally taken out of the time and placed in the Faire grounds. How regal and beautiful she appeared amongst the commoners was a sight many would flock to see in England during this era, just like we did that day. When I first saw her at the Faire she was amongst her court playing Bowls. She had a smile on her face and seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the sport of it all. Ackroyd had said of the Queens love of entertainment that “in the summer of 1572, she was diverted by an entire world of Tudor entertainment in which pastoral and the classical were mixed with all the prodigality of an English romance” (Ackroyd 373).  She was the picture of peace and her people not only loved her but also feared her.  When she spoke she spoke with a loud English accent but with an accent that was completely separate from the merchants. She articulate and her words were easier to understand than those with a thicker and cruder accent. She did not seem to mind to be amongst the people as some of the royalty or nobleman at Faire did. They seemed to have their own cliques and hang out within them, briefly peasants passed over the lines to say “good day” to higher classes but never anything more than this. 

Queen playing Bowls

The Queen although ruler of all seemed to be more loving and accepting than others, “when she smiled, it was pure sunshine that everyone did choose to bask in, if they could; but anon came a storm from a sudden gathering of clouds and the thunder fell in wondrous manner on all alike” (Mortimer 31).  She needed to be a person for her people but also a figure the strength of her country. She played many roles and despite the ridicule that was thrown her way for being a female in her position she persevered like no other woman could in her time. 

Nobility happily watching as the Queen plays