In the autumn of 1562, England held its breath. Queen Elizabeth I lay gravely ill with smallpox, her life uncertain, her kingdom unprepared for what might come next.
But what if she hadn’t survived?
In this episode, we explore one of the most chilling “what ifs” in English history. With no named heir, a fragile religious settlement, and rival claims waiting in the wings, Elizabeth’s death could have plunged England into chaos. Who would have taken the throne? Would Mary, Queen of Scots have prevailed - or would the Grey sisters have been revived as contenders? Who were some of the other contenders?
This isn’t just speculation - it’s a deep dive into succession law, political reality, and the very real anxieties of a nation on the brink.
History as it nearly was… and how close England came to a very different fate.
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Hosts:
Rebecca Larson
Amy McElroy