Famous Spinster Birthday -- Susan Boyle

"I live alone with my cat Pebbles ... but I have the support of all of my brothers and sisters and friends and neighbors." -- Susan Boyle

Born:  April 1, 1961

Today in Queen Bess's Life

Tomb Effigy of Queen Elizabeth I

Elizabeth passed away on this day in 1603.  Her cause of death has never been determined, but common speculation is that she died due to blood poisoning -- perhaps from years of application of the white makeup on her face called Venetian Ceruse.  The concoction was made up white lead and vinegar.  Considering we don't want our children in homes with lead paint these days, it certainly seems probable that this was the cause of the great queen's death.

In my romantic mind, I love the legend that her last word was  "Robin" -- in reference to her longtime lover, Robert Dudley. She could have never married Dudley without severe political consequences.  Alas, her death was likely much less romantic as it is also speculated that she was in a deep sleep for a few days before she finally expired.

Today in Queen Bess's Life

On this day in 1554, Elizabeth was imprisoned in the Tower of London for her suspected involvement in the Wyatt Rebellion.  Led by Sir Thomas Wyatt, the intent was to displace Elizabeth's half sister, Mary, from the throne and replace her with Elizabeth.  Their beef with Mary?  That she was Roman Catholic and set to marry the very Roman Catholic Prince Phillip of Spain.  It was the desire of the rebels to retain the Protestant rule started by Mary and Elizabeth's father, Henry VIII.

It was assumed that Elizabeth was complicit in the plot -- thus her incarceration.

Upon her arrival by boat at the Tower (the very place her mother was beheaded), Elizabeth said:

Famous Spinster Birthday -- Queen Latifah

"I was taught from a young age that many people would treat me as a second-class citizen because I was African-American and because I was female."  -- Queen Latifah

Born:  March 18, 1970