The Small Disease
Beyond Elizabeth’s insane makeup routine, more dark secrets lurked behind the implacable leader’s façade. When she was 29 years old, Elizabeth would contract smallpox, a dreaded illness that had a mortality rate that ended one-third of those who fell ill with it. Countless people fell to smallpox, up until scarily recently in human history. In October 1562, the queen was reportedly struck with a high fever during her stay at the Hampton Court Palace in London.
The Small Disease
Doctor’s Orders
Dr. Burcot was a famous physician of the time who confirmed the smallpox diagnosis for the queen. Indeed, the regent was infected. Knowing the queen’s temperament and attitude toward hiding her flaws, the queen was not initially happy with such a diagnosis. Apparently, Dr. Burcot’s diagnosis was refused and he was shamed as incompetent and sent away. You might wonder why the queen was so bullheaded regarding her potentially fatal diagnosis? It has something to do with fear…
Doctors Orders
