Elizabeth 1 was born on this day, September 7, 1533 in Greenwich, England. Her 45-year reign is generally considered one of the most glorious in English history and she was the last and longest reigning monarch of the House of Tudor until her death in 1603 at the age of 69. Her eventful reign, and its effect on history and culture, gave name to the Elizabethan era. A fierce feminist icon bore the striking statement "I would rather be a beggar and single than a queen and married." Her reign coincided with an extraordinary flowering of English culture, including William Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe, Edmund Spenser, William Byrd, Thomas Tallis and John Dowland. Elizabeth herself was highly educated and had considerable ability in languages, music, dancing and poetry. She reportedly spoke several languages and was an accomplished musician and dancer. Her musical education included lessons from leading Royal musicians of the period, and Elizabeth I was particularly accomplished on the virginals, a small keyboard instrument related to the harpsichord.