Elizabeth I
- Funded the arts, including an up-and-comer from Stratford
- Presided over a period of impressive stability, sandwiched between the War of the Roses and the English Civil War.
- Provided a degree of stability after decades of religious turmoil arising from the nation's response to the Reformation
- Made the necessary decisions to keep the Spanish at bay, particularly at the Armada
- Provided Royal Assent to the "Poor Laws", the closest Britain would get to a welfare state for centuries.
Her handling of Mary, Queen of Scots is regrettable, but more drawn out and political than most give her credit for.
