The Hawker Chronicles is the history of an English family from 1590 to the present day. 'Hawker's Queens' covers the years from 1590-1603. In the Court of Queen Elizabeth I of England two members of the Hawker family, Sir Gervase and his son Vaughan, adopt different strategies to survive the uncertain and dangerous atmosphere of conspiracy, treason and betrayal. Set against the background of the Essex Rebellion, 'Hawker's Queens' depicts a brutal and chilling world in which only the devious and cunning thrive and prosper.