Point of Divergence ... As Elizabeth Tudor approached the time of her death, people began to speculate as to who would succeed her to the throne. The assumption was that Elizabeth would name James the VI of Scotland as her successor. But there was another possible successor to the throne, Arabella Stuart, who was the great great granddaughter of Henry the VII. It should be noted that although she was a possible successor, Arabella, unlike her Grey relatives, did not have designs on the crown or the desire to be queen. It was probably this lack of desire for the throne, combined with the pushing of the Cecil family, that Elizabeth named James the VI as her heir. Once James was on the throne, plots were made to place Arabella on the throne. To Arabella's credit though, she dutifully reported the plot to her king once she was invited to take part and refused. Despite this, a marriage by Arabella to William Seymour in 1610, who was also a possible heir to the throne, did not go unnoticed by James, who had Arabella and William thrown into prison. Arabella and William attempted to escape England, but only William was successful. Arabella was captured by English forces and was thrown into the Tower of London. She never saw her husband again and died in 1615 due to refusing to eat.
Lets say that history had taken another turn. An ambitious Arabella Stuart wishes to be named as Elizabeth's heir. Supported by the Cecil family, Arabella is named by Elizabeth as her successor upon her death bed in 1603. A 28 year old Arabella becomes Queen Arabella of England. Discuss how Arabella becoming Queen of England changes history, and what the impact on the future would be.
Lets say that history had taken another turn. An ambitious Arabella Stuart wishes to be named as Elizabeth's heir. Supported by the Cecil family, Arabella is named by Elizabeth as her successor upon her death bed in 1603. A 28 year old Arabella becomes Queen Arabella of England. Discuss how Arabella becoming Queen of England changes history, and what the impact on the future would be.
