5:36pm Monday 24th November 2008
By Alexandra Barham
THE moment Elizabeth I ascended the English throne 450 years ago was re-lived during a lavish ceremony at her childhood home, Hatfield House.
On Thursday, precisely 450 years after the death of Queen Mary, Elizbeth's unpopular Catholic sister, lord and lady of Salisbury were joined by other leading Hertfordshire figures at a special period concert featuring the music, instruments and clothes of the Sixteenth Century.
Legend has it that Princess Elizabeth was sitting reading under an oak tree in the grounds of her Hatfield estate on November 17, 1558 when she learned of her sister Queen Mary's death.
Courtiers who came bearing the news she was to succeed the throne bowed before their new Queen, Elizabeth, who got on her knees and in Latin said: "This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes."
Within hours, Queen Elizabeth I's councillors had descended on Hatfield House for her first Council of State, held in the Great Hall of the Old Palace.
A convincing re-enactment of Elizabeth addressing her chief advisor William Cecil while seated on her throne was performed by actress Julia Addison at last week's event.
A music ensemble was also performed by members of the Mid Herts Junior Choir and Mid Herts Chamber choir, along with pupils from The Ryde School in Pleasant Rise and Countess Ann primary school in School Lane, both in Hatfield.
William Cecil's descendant Lord Salisbury, who authorised the celebrations at his home, said: “This has been a hugely enjoyable way of marking such an important milestone.
"I am most grateful to the Hertfordshire Music Service, Sing Up and the school children for their support and enthusiasm and I hope there will be many more opportunities in the future for Hatfield House and local schools to work together.”
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