"The extent to which her mother's execution cast a shadow over Elizabeth's later life is incalculable. It is certain that many of the charges preferred against Anne were false, and probable that she was innocent of all of them" (Chapter 1, pg. 8.)

"It is difficult to imagine a more traumatic experience for a fifteen-year old girl than to be relentlessly questioned about a compromising episode in her past, in the knowledge that her answers could result in a number of her most trusted associates being tried on a capital charge. But though Elizabeth was naturally upset - Tyrwhit reported with satisfaction that she burst into tears when she learnt that Parry and Mistress Ashley had been sent to the Tower - she did not panic" (Chapter 2, pg. 31.)

"Once the euphoria surrounding her accession had died down, Mary's bitterness welled up afresh for the daughter of the woman who had...