Essential reading for anyone interested in the fraught early life of England’s greatest Queen.
June 22, 2026, 9 a.m. A review for 'Queen Elizabeth I's Governess: The Real Kat Ashley', by Dr. Elizabeth NortonProviding a picture of an intellectual and highly political woman,
Katherine Ashley was arguably the most important person in the young Elizabeth I’s life, serving as a mother-figure, teacher, friend and confidant.
It is wonderful to see ‘Queen Elizabeth I’s Governess’ focus on her life, bringing her back into the heart of the story of Elizabeth’s early life. Often written off as a foolish or unwise figure, Rosemary Griggs uses her extensive research to rehabilitate her.
Providing a picture of an intellectual and highly political woman, ‘Queen Elizabeth I’s Governess’ is essential reading for anyone interested in the fraught early life of England’s greatest Queen.