Whatâs a woman to do when she is a pawn in her father, King Henry VIIIâs, court? Triumph over her half-siblings and cousins to take the throne! Queen Elizabeth I ruled England for 44 years. Never marrying, and protecting her birthright, Elizabeth was a beloved royal to a nation struggling with war, politics, and religious strife. Her legacy of ushering in great prosperity and cultural enlightenment gave her legendary status.