Glenda Jackson came face-to-face with an original costume from her mini-series Elizabeth R

The biggest collection of Queen Elizabeth I's personal items and paintings ever seen is going on display in London to mark the 400th anniversary of her death.

Among the items on show will be jewellery worn by the queen, love letters, her first speech and rarely seen portraits.

Former actress Glenda Jackson, who won an Emmy award for playing the queen in 1971 mini-series Elizabeth R, was among those at the launch.

The exhibition is being staged at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich - where the queen was born - and opens to the public on Thursday.

Elizabeth and her father, Henry VIII, were both born at Greenwich Palace, on the site of what is now the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage site.

The collection includes portraits of Elizabeth I

Although Elizabeth never married, it was known that she had many suitors and the love letters to her can be seen.

There is also a rare opportunity to see the orpharion - a musical instrument similar to a lute that was made for the queen and is now in the hands of a private collector.

The exhibition has been guest curated by historian Dr David Starkey, who is well-known for his television series and books.

"The exhibition will present an evocative account of a young princess who overcame all the odds to become one of England's most successful monarchs," he said.

"Many of the 340 objects to be shown at Greenwich have never previously been displayed in public and convey the highs and lows of Elizabeth's dramatic life."

The exhibition also includes her first speech. It is addressed to her Secretary Sir William Cecil and the Lords of Mary's Council and was delivered three days after the death of her sister.

In it, the new Queen speaks of her determination to rule "by guidance and counsel".