Elizabeth I

 Elizabeth I

Elizabeth I

The daughter of Anne Bolyn and Henry VIII, this well-known Queen had a difficult childhood but came through it and showed us all how the rule a country!

It must have broken Elizabeth's heart when she heard that her father had her mother executed and to then be called illegitimate --- one minute she was heir to the throne, the next her father did not even acknowledge her. However, Elizabeth did have a certain amount of schooling (which was unusual for the time) and she could write English, Latin and Italian, as well as French and Greek. In fact, it turned out that Elizabeth was one of the best educated women of her time.

Elizabeth I

Elizabeth came to the throne when she was 25 years of age and the people loved her --- "Good Queen Bess" --- her reign was one of the most peaceful. She refused to marry, not willing to give up her power over the throne or put herself in danger when it comes to childbirth.

Elizabeth I is quoted as saying: "I know I have the body of a weak and feeble woman, but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and of a king of England!"

Elizabeth I

I personally am inspired by Elizabeth I, because although she was born into Royalty, she did not have an easy life and overcame so many obstacles to become the Queen we read about today.

For a more detailed read about this Unique Queen's life, click on the link "Elizabeth I" --- it is well worth a read!

Anne Frank

 One of the most Courageous women in History

Anne Frank

Born in Frankfurt am Main in 1929, this beautiful girl was named Annelies Marie = "Anne." At 4 years old, the Nazis gained control over Germany and started to persecute the Jewish nation. As the Franks were Jewish, they lost their citizenship and went into hiding.

The concealed rooms were behind a bookcase in the building where Anne's father used to work. From 1942 until 1944, the whole family hid in these rooms, and it is during this time that Anne wrote her diaries --- the very same ones we get inspiration from today!

This diary wasn't just a diary --- Anne would write tales in it and she actually planned to publish the diaries about her time in the 'Secret Annex'. Her father made sure his daughter's wish came true. Writing 'letters' in this diary, Anne would write to "Kitty" and the routine of writing in her diary became a very important part of Anne's life.

She would fantasize about skating in the park and playing in a film with Kitty, who (to Anne) was like a best friend. Cleary, Anne's imagination helped her through a very tough time. Anne also gives us an insight into her relationships within her family --- how she felt about her mother, her sister, her father.

"When I write I can shake off all my cares. My sorrow disappears, my spirits are revived! But, and that's a big question, will I ever be able to write something great, will I ever become a journalist or a writer?"

Anne Frank

The family were arrested in 1944 and interrogated. They were criminals because they went into hiding. In September, they were sent to Auschwitz Concentration Camp and split apart as a family. Anne was forced into hard labour during the days and into tiny, overcrowded barracks during the nights. She died of typhus at the Bergen-Belsen Camp.

The courage of this young girl inspires us today and to read her diaries gives us a sense that the innocent will always win over the guilty. Have a read of the article "Anne Frank" for a more detailed read, and to quote Anne's own words: 

"I keep my ideals, because in spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart."