As an expert in historical studies, I am well-versed in the intricacies of English history, including the tumultuous times of the Tudor dynasty. The question at hand pertains to a significant event in the life of Queen Elizabeth I, who was a key figure in the 16th century.

To provide a detailed and accurate response, let's first set the stage with some context. Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII and mother of Queen Elizabeth I, was executed on May 19, 1536. This event was a pivotal moment not only for Anne herself but also for the young Elizabeth, who was just a child at the time.

Now, to determine Elizabeth's age at the time of Anne's execution, we must consider the date of Elizabeth's birth. Queen Elizabeth I was born on September 7, 1533. With this information, we can calculate her age at the time of her mother's death.

From September 7, 1533, to May 19, 1536, is a period of two years and eight and a half months. Therefore, Elizabeth was two years and eight months old when her mother Anne Boleyn was executed.

This was a traumatic event for the young Elizabeth, who was subsequently declared illegitimate by her father's Act of Succession, which also deprived her of her place in the royal line of succession. The Act of Succession was a legislative measure passed by the English Parliament that defined the line of succession to the English throne, and it specifically excluded Elizabeth due to her mother's status as an annulled marriage.

The impact of Anne's execution on Elizabeth's life was profound. It shaped her character and her approach to governance when she later became queen. Despite the early adversity, Elizabeth went on to become one of England's most celebrated monarchs, known for her intelligence, political acumen, and cultural patronage.

Elizabeth's reign, known as the Elizabethan era, was marked by the flourishing of English drama, led by playwrights such as William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe, and saw the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588, a significant military victory for England. Her reign also saw the continuation of religious tensions, as she navigated the complex landscape of Protestant and Catholic factions within her kingdom.

In conclusion, the execution of Anne Boleyn was a critical event in the life of the young Elizabeth, who was two years and eight months old at the time. This tragedy set the stage for Elizabeth's own journey to the throne and her eventual rise as a powerful and influential queen.

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Elizabeth was two years and eight months old when her mother was beheaded on 19 May 1536, four months after Catherine of Aragon's death from natural causes. Elizabeth was declared illegitimate and deprived of her place in the royal succession.read more >>