Queen Elizabeth came to power in when she was 25 in 1558. She died in 1604 at the age of 69. She ruled for 45 years and her reign is considered the longest of a modern queen who wielded political power, leading both the government and the armed forces. She was well-educated (fluent in five languages), was intelligent, determined and a strong leader. Her 45-year reign is generally considered one of the most glorious in English history. During it a secure Church of England was established. It is known however that she contracted smallpox in 1562 which left her face scarred. She took to wearing white lead makeup to cover the scars. In later life, she suffered the loss of her hair and her teeth, and in the last few years of her life, she refused to have a mirror in any of her rooms.