Of all her work, I most liked Glenda Jackson’s  (9 May 1936 – 15 June 2023) portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I in the 1971 BBC TV docudrama more than any of the others in that role.  Helen Mirren is a favorite of mine, and she did a good job, but I like Jackson’s work better. Jackson is probably best remembered for “Women in Love” and “A Touch of Class.” We can only guess what else she might have done as an actress had she not been gone almost three decades during her political career.

Since I’m of Scots ancestry, I take a dim view of the English Monarchy, and so “Elizabeth R” impacts me because I not only liked the acting but have always disliked Elizabeth I. My feelings about her are fueled in large measure due to her illegal imprisonment and execution of Mary Queen of Scots. Like a modern soldier or political figure, Mary’s first duty was to escape (as I see it), so punishing her for plots (the Ridolfi and Babington plots), against Elizabeth as crimes instead of acts of war was unconscionable.

As you can tell, my bias in favor of Mary over Elizabeth is very strong. That’s why I remember the TV series. Watching it, I could have spat nails. Much later in history, don’t even get me started about the “troubles” in Northern Ireland.

“Elizabeth R” was the catalyst for multiple debates between my wife and me. She took English history in college and was very knowledgeable about the monarchs and issues. She could never quite understand my dislike of Elizabeth I for being as strong as it is, almost as though Elizabeth I were still on the throne causing more problems in Scotland, Ireland, and elsewhere. Few historically controversial people stir up stronger emotions in me than English monarchs, especially those constantly fighting Scotland.

I’ll miss Glenda Jackson, of course, as a politically astute MP and a very talented actress even though her figurative journey to the years between 1558 and 1603 will always be first in my memory of her.

—Malcolm

Click on my name to find my contemporary fantasy, magical realism, and paranormal books and stories. None of them are set in Scotland, though perhaps they should be.