In October 1562, less than three years after her accession to the throne, Elizabeth I contracted the highly-infectious smallpox virus, which led to her becoming critically ill, and subsequently raised questions in relation to the succession of the English monarchy.

Henry Carey was the second child of Mary Boleyn, the eldest daughter of Thomas Boleyn, born in March 1526.

Henry Carey, later appointed 1st Baron of Hunsdon, son of Mary Boleyn and her first husband William Carey, was born on this day, 04 March, in 1526.

On This Day (24 February) in 1603, Katherine Carey, Countess of Nottingham, died at Arundel House.

On This Day (04 February) in 1520, Mary Boleyn married William Carey in the Chapel Royal at Greenwich Palace, with Henry VIII in attendance.

On This Day (27 January) in 1569, Æmilia Bassano, Elizabethan courtier and Jacobean writer and poet was baptised.

On This Day (10 Oct) 1562, Elizabeth I was at Hampton Court when she started to feel unwell.

Elizabeth I had reigned as Queen of England for 44 years, when her health started to further decline in February 1603, whilst her court...