Tomb effigy of Elizabeth I

Tomb effigy of Elizabeth I. The large marble monument was by Maximilian Colt, assisted by John de Critz, and dates to early seventeenth century (during the reign of James I, Elizabeth’s successor). The jewellery and regalia on the effigy are modern pieces, dating to the 1970s. The tomb, which cost £1,485, is situated in Henry VII’s Lady Chapel in Westminster Abbey.

The monument also marks the grave of Mary I, England’s first crowned Queen Regent (Elizabeth’s coffin rests on top of Mary’s). Mary and Elizabeth were both the daughters of Henry VIII and traditionally both are portrayed as representing opposing sides of the religious schism that dominated English affairs throughout the sixteenth century. Modern assessments, particularly those focusing on Mary, have questioned such longstanding perceptions.