30. She Nearly Wasn’t Queen
Elizabeth I’s ascension to the throne was actually due to a stroke of very bad luck. After her father, King Henry VIII died, her younger half-brother Edward ascended to the throne in 1547, however, he only ruled for six years before dying of fever. Next was Lady Jane Grey who Edward named as his successor, but she only lasted 13 days before her sister Mary had her dispatched. Mary would reign for five years, before dying in 1558, leaving the throne to Elizabeth. We guess what doesn’t kill you makes you queen!