A look at Elizabeth's turbulent early years from age three when her mother was executed and she was declared illegitimate and banished from court, through to the start of her reign.

For the first 25 years of her reign, Elizabeth never feels secure. Catholic plots abound at home and abroad, and there is the problem about what to do with Mary Queen of Scots. Meanwhile, her councilors want her to marry.

As the Spanish Armada approaches, Elizabeth rallies her troops with a famous speech at Tilbury. However, even Elizabeth is powerless against the march of time.