Ciphers, Secrets, and Spies in the Elizabethan Age

News

The Elizabethan era (1558-1603) is often depicted as the "Golden Age" in England's history—an era of great exploration and military victories in which Queen Elizabeth I is represented in sumptuous clothing and jewels.  But the reality, which included religious conflicts that tore families apart, political challenge to Elizabeth's authority, high levels of poverty and crime, and vulnerability to foreign invasion, was far grimmer.  The Queen was considered a Protestant heretic by the rulers of Europe, and numerous plots were hatched to dethrone her in favor of Catholic Mary Queen of Scots. Elizabeth's closest courtiers. notably William Cecil (1^st Baron Burghley) and Francis Walsingham—the "Spymaster"—attempted to protect her. Walsingham's network of clandestine agents unearthed a series of threats, including one led by an invasion of priests trained abroad and sent to England and hidden in "priest-holes" by Catholic families in places as Baddesly Clinton and Coughton Court in Warwickshire to prepare for a Catholic rebellion.

Carol Ann Lloyd, a popular speaker who shares stories of Shakespeare and English history, describes this tumultuous time with its secret plots, intercepted and decoded messages, and assassination attempts.  She explores dark corners of Elizabethan English history and reveals how the ability to control information became the most potent tool of the realm. Ms. Lloyd is the former Manager of Visitor Education at the Folger Shakespeare Library, where she gave workshops and tours about Shakespeare and Early Modern England.  Carol has presented programs at the Smithsonian, Folger Shakespeare Library, Agecroft Hall, and TEDx, among other venues.  Ms. Lloyd is a member of the National Speakers Association. 

This lecture takes place at The General Society Library, 20 West 44th Street, NYC

NOT at the English-Speaking Union

Please register online at https://www.royal-oak.org/events/2019-spring-nyc/  or call Kayla Smith at 212-480-2889 Ext. 201

To receive the discounted the Royal Oak Foundation member rate, enter this co-sponsor code: 19SESUNYC

$30 members; $40 non-members

All Member and Co-sponsor discounts will be applied at check out.

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