Elizabeth's Bedfellows

Elizabeth I acceded to the throne in 1558, restoring the Protestant faith to England. At the heart of the new queen''s court lay Elizabeth''s bedchamber, closely guarded by the favoured women who helped her dress, looked after her jewels and shared her bed.

Elizabeth''s private life was of public, political concern. Her bedfellows were witnesses to the face and body beneath the make-up and elabora...