The Earl of Essex has become a national hero, attracting glory for his role in wars against the Spanish. However, when he returns to England, he doesn't bring the riches the Queen is expecting, so she refuses to pay him any rewards for his work. Lettice, his mother, persuades him that he can charm his way back into the Queen's good books.

News arrives of a rebellion in Ireland. Essex is desperate to go over there and fight. In his enthusiasm he angers Elizabeth by trying to rouse the English subjects to support him. She once again snubs him. But eventually he begs for forgiveness, and she finally gives him permission to fight. Meanwhile William Cecil's health falters. He has a stroke, and then dies.

Rumours start to come in that Essex is not doing well in his fight against the Irish. He begs to be allowed to come home, but the Queen refuses - telling him he mustn't return until the rebellion is over. However he finally gives up and makes a truce with the rebels, angering the Queen.

When he arrives back in England he leads a rebellion against Elizabeth. However, he fails to get enough support and is quickly overpowered by the Queen's soldiers. He and his supporters are rounded up and put in the tower. Essex is finally put to death.

Elizabeth's health begins to fade and she eventually weakens and dies peacefully, leaving the country to be ruled by James I.


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