Elizabeth

Question 1

What was Elizabeth facing as her biggest problem upon succeeding the throne?

Answer 1

Disputed succession:
Elizabeth was not regarded as the legitimate heir to the throne by Roman Catholics, who supported Mary Queen of Scots. Mary also had the backing of Henry II of France

Question 2

Which problem was the most insignificant to her?

Answer 2

Unrest in Ireland:
While it was staunchly catholic, it didnt have much impact on her and there were more pressing matter closer to home which she had to worry about

Question 3

What other problems did she face when she came to power?

Answer 3

Which sort of religious settlement should be imposed

Ending War with France

How to pay of a £300,000 debt left by Mary and restore the royal finances

Who should be in the Privy council

How to maintain traditional alliance with Catholic Habsburgs

What to do about French troops in Scotland

Question 4

What threats did England face?

Answer 4

Religious division

Threat from abroad

Rising prices and unemployment

An inexperienced queen

The loss of Calais

Question 5

What was the most significant problem faced by England.

Answer 5

Religious division:
In 1558, England was a country divided by religion. The majority of people, including many of the gentry and nobility, were probably still Catholic.
They believed that services should be in Latin and that churches should be highly decorated. Some believed that the Pope was the only true Head of the Catholic Church, although others had become used, since the reign of Henry Vill, to accepting the monarch as Head of the Church in England.
Protestantism was strong in London, the south east, the universities, and among the politically-active classes, who believed that the monarch should be in charge of the country’s religion. that services should be in English, and that churches should be plain. A third, much smaller group of extreme Protestants, known as the Marian Exiles, had fled to Protestant strongholds in Europe, such as Geneva, during Mary’s reign, where they had been inspired by the teachings of John Calvin. They returned to England in 1558, expecting to be offered influential government posts and to oversee the establishment of a Calvinist or Puritan Church of England.

Question 6

What sort of things would a Catholic Noble want Elizabeth to do upon her accession?

Answer 6

Increase the powers of the great nobles

Increase crown patronage

Continue to demand a return of Calais from the French

Question 7

What sort of things would a Protestant Lawyer want Elizabeth to do upon her accession?

Answer 7

Sack all of Mary’s councillors

Allow parliament greater freedom of speech

Marry a protestant and produce a son

Appoint new councillors who are protestant and loyal to her

Question 8

What sort of things would a Prosperous farmer want Elizabeth to do upon her accession?

Answer 8

Allow the amount of land under cultivation to be extended

allow food prices to rise with inflation

Stabilise the currency and stop debasing the coinage

restrict the mobility of labour in the countryside

Question 9

What sort of things would a Marian Exile want Elizabeth to do upon her accession?

Answer 9

Establish a Calvinist-style protestant church in England

Establish a national church and expel the pope

Imprison Catholic bishops and free all the protestants

Ally with protestant countries in Europe and plot rebellions against Catholic governments where possible

Question 10

What sort of things would a London Merchant want Elizabeth to do upon her accession?

Answer 10

Continue Catholic religion under the authority of the pope

Expand overseas markets

Bring back pageantry and enjoyment to the capital

Restore the Anglo-Scottish alliance by negotiating with Mary of Guise

Question 11

What sort of things would a Town councillor want Elizabeth to do upon her accession?

Answer 11

Increase JP’s powers to enforce law and order

Allow parliament freedom of speech

Increase spending on town walls/fortifications increase of an attack from Scotland

Design measures to restrict the spread of the plague by isolating victims and supporting their families financially

Question 12

How did Elizabeth try to create a positive environment for her coronation?

Answer 12

The dominant elements in her portrait were symbols of Monarchy, the Crown, Orb and Sceptre. Tudor authroity.

She contacted astrolger John Dee for the most propitious date for her coronation.

Question 13

What problems arose from her coronation

Answer 13

New Archbishop was yet to be appointed - reduction in legitimacy

Archbishop of York refused to conduct the ceremony as she insisted the host should not be elevated in the communion.

She ended up being coronated by the Bishop of Carlisle - very low ranking

Question 14

What would be the positives and negatives of Elizabeth continuing the Catholic regime?

Answer 14

+

Continuity from Mary’s reign

Doesn’t alienate foreign powers like Spain and the Pope
_

Doesn’t align with personal beliefs

Dilutes her power

Question 15

What would be the positives and negatives of implementing a radical protestant settlement?

Answer 15

+

Is a clear statement of her intention to prevent confusion

Aligns with her personal conviction and increase in personal power

_

Would disillusion Catholics who could be a threat to her power if they rose up

Would establish enemies in Spain and Rome

Question 16

What would be the psotives and negatives of implementing a moderate protestant settlement?

Answer 16

+
Would not alienate Catholics in such a radical way

Might bring more stability

Alignment to Elizabeth

Pragmatic

_

Might still disillusion England from foreign power

Extremists on both sides would still be unhappy

Question 17

Who did she put in her Privy council?

Answer 17

Matthew Parker

Earl of Arundel

Earl of Shrewsbury

William Petre

Maquis of Winchester

Nicholas Bacon

William Cecil

Marquis of Northampton

Question 18

Who was Matthew Parker?

Answer 18

Moderate protestant, part of the Cambridge reformers, he had been personal chaplain to Anne Boleyn and was charged as the spiritual care for Elizabeth, he had been accused of heresy in 1539 and tried to get the Kett’s rebellion to support Edward, he also had supported Lady Jane Grey

Question 19

Who was the earl of Arundel

Answer 19

He was a prominent nobleman who shifted carefully between Protestant and Catholic regimes, ultimately remaining a politically flexible Catholic who played a decisive role in Mary I’s accession.
In terms of his religious perspective, it is fair to say he was highly tuned in to the political climate of the day. Generally speaking he was cautiously Catholic and remained one throughout his life. However he conformed to Edward’s protestant reign.
Under Edward he sat on the Regency council which was responsible for governing on Edward’s behalf. He fell out with Somerset and was briefly imprisoned in 1549. He joined the coup that removed Somerset from power. He distanced himself from Northumberland’s more radical protestant reform and was a key figure in resisting Lady Jane Grey’s succession. He was instrumental in securing the succession of Mary and securing her power by responding to rebellion and reversing Edwardian Protestantism.

Question 20

Who was the earl of Shrewsbury?

Answer 20

Name: George Talbot, 6th Earl of Shrewsbury, 6th Earl of Waterford. 1522 / 1528 - 1590.
Notable facts: Was within the Military and the Invasion of Scotland under Somerset. In 1560 he became the Earl of Shrewsbury so he wasn’t actually the Earl of Shrewsbury when Elizabeth was Coronated.
Was a Protestant I believe. He wasn’t doing much during the reign of Mary apart from his Military service.
He was the keeper of Mary, Queen of Scots, but was later removed to Wingfield Manor. Forced to keep his post as guarding Mary, Queen of Scots for over 15 years which managed to break his marriage due to his keeping in the role.
Died: 18 November 1590.

Question 21

Who was the Marquis of Winchester?

Answer 21

Lord High Treasurer, Lord Keeper of the Great Seal and Statesman (1550-1572)
Puritan/Protestant under Edward, Catholic under Mary, Anglican under Elizabeth

Question 22

Who was William Cecil?

Answer 22

Secretary of State of Somerset, lawyer
sympathiser of new religious ideas, politician in service of Mary despite his religious views

Question 23

Who was the Marquis of Northampton?

Answer 23

Lord Great Chamberlain under Edward (‘honest uncle’) , fell from grace under Mary for supporting Lady Jane Grey, regained his Marquessate in 1559, courtier, Knight of the Garter
Staunch Protestant under Edward VI, supported new Prayer Book

Question 24

Who was Nicholas Bacon?

Answer 24

Lord keeper of the great seal. Lost preferment as a Protestant under Mary I of England. Cecil’s brother-in-law.

Question 25

Who was William Petre?

Answer 25

Whilst in the end he claimed to be a Catholic, he was pragmatic and flip flopped between the two to ensure his survival, tutor to George Boleyn and lawyer to Henry during the divorce proceedings, helped dissolve 30 monasteries and named executor of Henrys will, he had supported lady Jane Grey by signing the devise of succession

Question 26

How does the make up of Elizabeth's privy council suggest she wants to govern

Answer 26

It is evident the Privy council is more protestant leaning. However they are not committed to radical protestant reform. Given the situation upon her accession they are likely to look to be more pragmatic rather than being staunchly committed to ideology. She's got experience in there to help with this.

Question 27

Criteria to determine if a religious group has influence over Elizabeth

Answer 27

Direct contact with Elizabeth Support and legitimacy Geographical distribution Coordination Level of commitment to their cause

Question 28

Who is more influential - Catholic faction or protestant faction?

Answer 28

While to some extent the Catholic faction had the potential to be influential over Elizabeth given the breadth of support they had across the country as well as the experience and organisation they offered, combined particularly with the fact that Elizabeth seemed to be open to hearing differing voices and opinions from both sides of the divide, they were not as influential as the Protestant faction. Moderate protestants had been used to fill the privy council, meaning they had close contact with the Queen, and their commitment to pragmatism rather than to a radical ideology fitted in with Elizabeths vision, meaning they were able to exert great influence. This is particularly important given the fact that the Catholics didn’t seem to have much clarity and unity in the direction they were taking the country.

Question 29

What is the criteria for Elizabeth's success in this period

Answer 29

Level of control she has Support/Opposition Outcome

Question 30

LOA for her success

Answer 30

She did not solve the problems, she contained them, which created further long term problems

Question 31

Evidence for this LOA

Answer 31

Coronation - She gets the lowest ranking Archbishop to coronate her: Archbishop Carlisle Privy council - Some success in her appointments to the privy council as she is able to bring together somewhat of a coalition of experience moderates which offers her balance in introducing religious policy that appealed to as many as possible Foreign policy - Was weak diplomatically in her dealing with France, particularly in losing Calais Pressure from different religious groups - No one is really kicking off at this stage

Question 32

Limitations to this LOA

Answer 32

The threats to her at this stage are fairly minimal. It's not so bad that people are plotting against her (yet)

Question 33

What were Elizabeth's personal religious beliefs

Answer 33

She attended Protestant services in English, but she kept crucifixes and candles in her private chapel despite the admonitions of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Question 34

What was the structure of Elizabeth's privy council?

Answer 34

Dominated by protestants

Question 35

Given her past, what sort of religious settlements was Elizabeth expected to pass?

Answer 35

Moderate Protestantism with hints of catholic practice.

Question 36

Would implementing some elements of Catholicism be popular?

Answer 36

Implementing Catholicism wouldn’t be hugely popular with the general laity, bar the house of Lords who represented an elite minority. However many were conservative so probably wouldn’t have supported radical Protestantism. However this does not mean they would have been super chuffed if Catholicism was implemented. With the exception of the Marian exiles, they won't be too fussed as long as it's nothing crazy. Most members of the church would have been happy to see a return to Catholicism

Question 37

Why did the act of uniformity and act of supremacy past a conservative and catholic house of Lords?

Answer 37

It was only passed grudgingly through a combination of compromising adjustment to the bill and the threat of enforcement was enough to convince the Lords to pass the act of supremacy.

Question 38

When was the act of Uniformity and act of supremacy passed?

Answer 38

April 1559

Question 39

What sort of relgious settlement did the act of uniformity and Supremacy establish?

Answer 39

- Elizabeth was supreme governor of the church of England - Revived legislation which was repealed during Mary's reign -Revoked heresy acts and papal supremacy - Imposed an oath of conformity to the new prayer book on all the clergy - Set up a system of punishments for those who failed to use the prayer book or publicly objected to its use - Ordered everyone to attned church on sundays and other holy days

Question 40

What issues were left outstanding by the religious settlement

Answer 40

- It did not address doctrine - Left a shortage of properly qualified clergy - Did not answer the question of whether it would be approved by Pope Pius IV which was crucial in determining the attitudes of English Catholics

Question 41

From Elizabeth's point of view, what was the purpose of the Religious settlement?

Answer 41

She hoped to make just enough changes to ensure no one is unhappy enough to rebel.

Question 42

How was Mary Queen of Scots a clear and present danger to Elizabeth and relgion in England?

Answer 42

- The fact she had to flee to England suggests she was under attack because she was seen as a threat - A marriage to the Duke of Norfolk would give her more influence in England, and muster a strong, legitimate, catholic potential successor pair to Elizabeth, who her opponents would suggest was none of those things (she's everything Elizabeth is not in the eyes of her critics) - Everything happens very fast. She becomes a rallying point for Catholics.

Question 43

In what categories was Mary a threat to Elizabeth?

Answer 43

- Religion - Succession - Experience - General level of support

Question 44

Overall, after fleeing Scotland, what is the nature of Mary's threat to Elizabeth?

Answer 44

She's a background threat who will always be brought up by her critiques, but at this point she doesn’t look she is actually eyeing up the English Monarchy, which doesn’t make her an immediate threat.

Question 45

How did the arrival of MQS lead to the Northern Rebellion?

Answer 45

It gave more legitimacy to the Catholics fight as they now had a clear rallying point to get behind. Allowed them to come out of the shadows somewhat.

Question 46

Who lead the rise in the Catholic faction?

Answer 46

- The Duke of Norfolk - The Earl of Northumberland - The Earl of Westmoreland - The Earl of Leicester

Question 47

Why was this an unlikely group to come together?

Answer 47

- Some had been supporters of Elizabeth, some hadn't. - Some had had their own squabbles in the past. - Geographically not all super close.

Question 48

Was there wide spread support for the rebellion?

Answer 48

It was hardly wide spread - They had a core of loyal supporters who all come from clustered regions around the north - They are constantly trying to get more significant support, but are consistently let down. For example by the Spanish or by normal people who they proclaimed to as they moved around the north.

Question 49

Did the Northern Rebellion have a clear plan?

Answer 49

There is no evidence of the plan being coherent. They consistently U-turn on their ideas and plans and they lack clear leadership which made the changes of heart inevitable. The fact that the support they took their chances on arriving never came also meant the theoretical plan they hoped would succeed was not effective in practice.

Question 50

What was the level of response to the rebellion from Elizabeth?

Answer 50

It wasn’t huge because it didn’t need to be. The rebellion was so badly organised and lacked support that it posed no real threat to her. It remained confined to the North and showed no real likelihood of heading south. Her troops didn’t even directly interreact with the rebellion. It died a natural death on its own.

Question 51

What does the nature of the Northern rebellion suggest about the level of support for Elizabeth and her settlement.

Answer 51

It's hard to say there was lots of positive support for her religious settlement, but there is also not enough significant opposition to the settlement for it be considered a failure or pose a threat to Elizabeths leadership. Even in the North which was predominantly catholic, a rebellion couldn’t get off the ground. This was her original goal. She wanted to create an environment where she could bide her time, and not have deal with any huge adversary. The fact that northern rebellion was the biggest issue she faced up to this point suggests to me that she had achieved these aims.