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.

On This Day (09 August) in 1586, Mary Dudley, Lady Sidney, sister of Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester and Ambrose Dudley, 3rd Earl of Warwick, and former Gentlewoman of the Privy Chamber and close confidant of Queen Elizabeth I, died.

On This Day (25 Oct) in 1562, Elizabeth I resumed her normal duties whilst at Hampton Court Palace.

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

Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester had a complex relationship with the Queen of England, Elizabeth I, throughout most of her reign.

On This Day (27 Aug) in 1562, Margaret St John, Lady Russell, Countess of Bedford, died from smallpox at Woburn Abbey.

On This Day (06 Jul) in 1553, Edward VI died at the ‘Palace of Placentia’, Greenwich, at around 8pm.