Elizabeth I was the queen of England from 1558 to 1603. She was the daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. Known for her intelligence and strong leadership, Elizabeth helped establish the Church of England and encouraged the arts, leading to a flourishing cultural period known as the Elizabethan Era. During her reign, England became a powerful nation, defeating the Spanish Armada in 1588. Elizabeth never married, earning her the nickname "The Virgin Queen." Her ability to navigate complex political challenges and maintain stability made her one of the most celebrated monarchs in English history.