Speech to the Troops at Tilbury

What it is

This speech was delivered by Elizabeth I to troops gathered at Tilbury in 1588, while forces stood ready against a possible invasion by the Spanish Armada. The version usually accepted as authentic survives through a letter from Leonel Sharp, who was present at Tilbury, and a later manuscript copy exists in the British Library.

Why it matters

The speech is often used to show how Elizabeth answered doubts about a woman ruling in wartime, famously claiming she had 'the heart and stomach of a king'. Many historians have argued over whether the exact words are genuine, but most accept that it reflects Elizabeth's own style and ideas about her rule and her bond with her people.

Look closer

• Why might Elizabeth emphasise being a 'weak, feeble woman' with a king's heart?
• What does the speech suggest about how she wanted to be seen by her soldiers?
• Why do historians question whether we have her exact words?