Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

What role did ladies of honour and ladies-in-waiting play in the life of Elizabeth I? Read by Emma Fielding.

Emma Fielding reads from Tracy Borman's biography of Elizabeth I, which explores the relationships she had with the women in her life. These women brought out the best and the worst of Elizabeth, who could be loyal and kind but also cruel and vindictive. They all influenced Elizabeth's carefully-cultivated image as Gloriana, The Virgin Queen.

The public world of Elizabeth's court as she begins her reign, and the more intimate realm of her private apartments, where she is attended by her Ladies in Waiting.

15 minutes

Broadcasts

  • Wed 23 Sep 2009 09:45
  • Thu 24 Sep 2009 00:30
  • Wed 24 Sep 2014 14:45
  • Thu 25 Sep 2014 00:45

Listen to more Audio Books

Listen to more Audio Books

Including My Sister The Serial Killer, Queenie, The Flatshare and more.

Opening Lines

Opening Lines

John Yorke unpacks the themes behind the stories in Radio 4's weekend afternoon dramas.

Sample our books and authors Clip Collection

Interviews, previews and reviews

Subscribe to the Short stories podcast

Featuring the best stories from the UK's finest writers

How many of these 100 Novels have you read?

How many of these 100 Novels have you read?

After a passionate debate, our panel has come up with this surprising literary selection.

Finding Your Story

Finding Your Story

Ten remarkable novels about identity: Which one will help you discover yourself?

麻豆社 Arts: Books

Celebrating reading and the 100 novels that have shaped our world.