Early Elizabethan England 1558-1588 Content

Question 1

When did Elizabeth I become queen and why?

Answer 1

Mary I - Elizabeth’s half sister - died and Elizabeth succeeded her on November 1558.

Question 2

in Elizabeth’s government, what was role of The Privy Council?

Answer 2

Members of the nobility who helped govern the country. They were appointed by Elizabeth herself and advise on matters of the state.

They monitored parliament, Justices of the Peace and oversaw law and order and the security of the

Question 3

In Elizabeth’s government, what was the role of the Justices of the Peace?

Answer 3

Large landowners; appointed by government, who kept law and order locally and heard court cases.

Question 4

In Elizabeth’s government, what was the role of the court?

Answer 4

Made up of noblemen who acted as the monarch’s advisers and friends.

They advised the monarch and helped display her wealth and power. Members of the court could also be members of the Privy Council.

Question 5

In Elizabeth’s government, what was the role of the Lord Lieutenants?

Answer 5

Noblemen, appointed by government, who governed English counties and raised the local militia.

Question 6

In Elizabeth’s government what was the role of Parliament?

Answer 6

They advised Elizabeth’s government, made up of the House of Lords and the House of Commons.

The House of Lords was made up of noblemen and bishops.

The House of Commons was elected, though very few people could vote.

Parliament passed laws and approved taxes (extraordinary taxation).

Question 7

Who lived in the countryside in Elizabethan England? (Order from most to least powerful)

Answer 7

The nobility

The gentry

The yeoman farmers

Tenant farmers

The landless/labouring poor

The homeless/vagrants.

Question 8

Who lived in the towns in Elizabethan England? (Order from most to least powerful)

Answer 8

Merchants

Professionals

Business owners

Craftsmen

Unskilled labourers and the unemployed

Question 9

In Elizabeth society who did you have to show obedience and care to?

Answer 9

You owed respect and obedience to those above you and a duty of care those below.

The husband and father was head of the household. His wife, children and any servants were expected to obedient to him.

Question 10

What were the many problems Elizabeth faced when she became Queen?

Answer 10

Elizabeth’s government needed money.

Elizabeth was Protestant Her predecessor, Mary I, was Catholic.

Elizabeth’s legitimacy was in doubt.

Elizabeth was young (25) and inexperienced.

Question 11

Why was Elizabeth’s legitimacy in doubt?

Answer 11

The pope had refused to recognise her mother’s marriage to Henry VIII due to her being Henry’s second wife.

Due to this and various other things Catholics refused to acknowledge Elizabeth’s right to rule England.

Question 12

What was the problem with Elizabeth being unmarried?

Answer 12

Although England was ruled by a Queen, it was still a patriarchal society

Her being unmarried went against Christian traditions that women should follow men’s authority. Many people disapproved of a queen regnant (a queen who actually ruled)

Question 13

Who was Anne Boleyn - Elizabeth’s mother?

Answer 13

Elizabeth’s father divorced Catherine of Aragon and married Anne Boleyn.

Henry had Anne Boleyn executed in 1536 - for adultery. Henry thus excluded Elizabeth from the succession, although he reserved this decision before his death.

Question 14

What were the problems that would arise if Elizabeth did marry?

Answer 14

If Elizabeth married a Protestant, this would anger Catholics much more.

If she married a Catholic, this would upset Protestants.

Elizabeth’s power would be reduced, as her husband would be expected to govern the country and deal with parliament.

Question 15

What would be the issue if Elizabeth did not marry?

Answer 15

Elizabeth would leave the throne without an heir. If she had died the throne would be vacant and this could lead to a Catholic-Protestant civil war.

Question 16

Who was very important in Elizabeth’s Privy Council?

Answer 16

Elizabeth’s inexperience meant that she needed support and advice.

Her Secretary of State, Sir William Cecil was very important.

Question 17

What were Elizabeth’s strengths?

Answer 17

Elizabeth was confident and charismatic helped win over support in Parliament.

Elizabeth was Protestant, the number of Protestants in England, making her position more secure.

Question 18

What does the Crown refer to?

Answer 18

The government, which means her (the monarch) and her advisers (The Privy Council)

Question 19

What were the Financial weakness, 1558?

Answer 19

The Crown was £300,000 in debt and had an annual income of only £286,667

Over £100,000 of Crown debts was owed to foreign moneylenders.

Mary I had sold off Crown lands to pay for wars with France, so the Crown’s income from rents was falling.

Since the 1540s, the Crown had debased (devalued) the coinage, by reducing its silver and gold content, in order to make money to fight wars against France. This resulted in inflation, as the value of the currency fell.

Question 20

Why did Elizabeth need money?

Answer 20

To remain secure on the throne, as she could use it to reward loyal servants and supporters.

Question 21

What did Elizabeth do to raise money and cut spending?

Answer 21

She did not raise taxes but instead hoarded her income and cut her household expenses by half.

Like her predecessors, she sold Crown lands, raising 120,000. By 1574, the queen could claim the Crown was out of debt for the first time since 1558.

These decisions were very popular as they didn’t affect the general public.

Question 22

What foreign alliance threatened Elizabeth’s security on the throne?

Answer 22

The Auid Alliance: France’s alliance with Scotland threatened England.

Mary, Queen of Scots married Francis in 1558. Francis became King Francis II of France in 1559.

Elizabeth was afraid of Mary Queen of Scots because she would be ousted by the Catholics and replaced by Mary Queen of Scots.

Question 23

Why was Elizabeth on bad terms with France and what was she afraid of, 1558?

Answer 23

She was afraid of France as she inherited a bad relationship with her predecessor Mary I.

Mary I had declared war on France in 1557. In January, 1558 France regained Calais which had been England’s possession since 1347 during the Hundred Years’ war marking the end of English territorial claims in France.

Question 24

Why did Elizabeth worry that France and Spain would unite against England?

Answer 24

France military resources were no longer stretched by war with Spain, making a war with England more likely.

Although France and Spain had recently been at war they both were Catholic countries and changing alliances was common if it suited their interests as England’s military was vastly weaker then the united power of France and Spain.

Question 25

Why would war have been an economic disaster for Elizabeth and the Crown?

Answer 25

War was an expensive business and the Crown was in debt. England could not afford a war with France, Scotland and/or Spain, as this would be ruinously expensive and deepen the government's debts.

Question 26

How did Elizabeth deal with the challenges from France and Scotland?

Answer 26

She sought to avoid war with France by signing the Peace of Troyes, 1564, which recognised once and for all the French claim to Calais. Elizabeth was able to deal with the threat posed by Scotland by placing Mary, Queen of Scots, who fled Scotland in 1568, in custody in England. By imprisoning Mary and making peace with France, Elizabeth had only one significant threat by 1569: Spain.

Question 27

Who were Puritans?

Answer 27

Some extreme Protestants became Puritans - people who wanted to purify the Christian religion by getting rid of anything not in the bible.

Question 28

What was Elizabeth's religious settlement, 1559?

Answer 28

Elizabeth's religious settlement had 3 main parts: Act of Supremacy, Act of Uniformity, and Royal Injunctions. The overall aim was to create a moderate Protestant Church that most people could accept, helping Elizabeth secure her rule and avoid rebellion.

Question 29

Who were the Clergy?

Answer 29

Officials of the Church which included Archbishops, Bishops, Priests and Deacons. They had to take the Oath of Supremacy, recognising Elizabeth as Supreme Governor.

Question 30

What was the Act of Supremacy, 1559?

Answer 30

Under Mary I, England was Catholic. This was the first part of Elizabeth's religious settlement and she introduced the Act of Supremacy, 1559 which made her the Supreme Governor (Head) of the Church of England. Based on Henry VIII's 1534 Act of Supremacy. All clergy and royal officials had to swear an oath of allegiance to her. Slightly softened the language of Henry VIII's Act of Supremacy to be more acceptable to Catholics.

Question 31

What was The Act of Uniformity, 1559?

Answer 31

The second part of Elizabeth's religious settlement. Dictated the appearance of churches and how religious services were to be held. It required everyone to attend church or pay a fine of 1 shilling.

Question 32

What was the Book of Common Prayer, 1559?

Answer 32

A key feature of the Act of Uniformity which introduced a set church service to be used in all churches. The clergy had to follow the Prayer Book wording during services or be punished.

Question 33

What was the Ecclesiastical High Commission, 1559?

Answer 33

A key feature of the Act of Supremacy established to keep discipline within the Church and enforce Elizabeth's religious settlement. Disloyal clergy could be punished.

Question 34

What were Royal Injuctions, 1559?

Answer 34

The third and final part of Elizabeth's religious settlement. This was a set of instructions to the clergy that reinforced the Acts of Supremacy and Uniformity. It included instructions on how people should worship God and how religious services were to be conducted.

Question 35

What were the aims of Elizabeth's religious settlement, 1559?

Answer 35

Create religious stability and unity between Catholics and Protestants and end the religious chaos and avoid civil war/rebellion. Keeping both Protestants and moderate Catholics satisfied. Increase her power as Queen and help reduce the Pope's influence and meant she controlled both state and religion. She didn't want to provoke Catholic countries like Spain or France by being too extreme in her Protestantism so she had elements in her settlement that appealed to Catholics.

Question 36

What were the impacts of Elizabeth's religious settlement, 1559?

Answer 36

8,000 clergy out of about 10,000 accepted the religious settlement. Many Marian Bishops (Catholic Bishops appointed by Mary I) opposed the settlement and had to be replaced. The majority of ordinary people accepted Elizabeth's religious settlement and attended

Question 37

What were the specific rules the Royal Injunctions set out?

Answer 37

All clergy were required to teach the Royal Supremacy, report those refusing to attend Church to the Privy Council, keep a copy of the bible in English, have a government licence to preach and prevent pilgrimages, religious shrines and monuments to 'fake' miracles. They had to wear special clothes called vestments.

Question 38

What were the responsibilities of the Church of England?

Answer 38

Provide guidance for communities - the (local) parish church helped people in times of hardship and uncertainty. Responsible for Church Courts - these dealt with marriage, sexual offences, slander, wills and inheritance. Visitations - bishops carried out inspections of churches and clergy, to ensure they obeyed the religious settlement. These took place every 3-4 years. Visitations also involved checking the licences of physicians, midwives and surgeons.

Question 39

How did the Church of England help secure Elizabeth's reign?

Answer 39

It legitimised Elizabeth's rule as the Church encourage people to remain loyal to and not rebel against their monarch. Preached the government's message as priests needed a government's licence to preach. This ensured the clergy preached Elizabeth's religious and political message, as those who refused to do so would be denied a licence. Enforced Elizabeth's religious settlement, 1559.

Question 40

What was the role of parish clergy in village life?

Answer 40

In all parishes the clergyman was a major figure in the village community and conduced church services including baptisms, weddings and funerals. The clergy offered spiritual and practical advice and guidance to people, especially when times were difficult (such as during a poor harvest). The clergy were funded by taxes or tithes (religious tax), or by other sources of income, such as the sale of church pews. The gentry funded some parishes while others remained independent of local landowners.

Question 41

What was the role of parish clergy in town life?

Answer 41

Parish churches in towns contained a much wider collection of people, including merchants, craftsmen, labourers and vagrants. There was often a wider range of religious beliefs, too, especially in London which contained mainstream Protestants, Puritans and Catholics The role of clergy varied both within towns and between them. In London a wide variety of parishes existed, some of which were very wealthy while others were relatively poor. Due to overcrowding, parish clergy in towns had a wider range of issues to deal with than the case in village parishes. These included poverty, homelessness and diseases, such as smallpox and plague.

Question 42

What did the Puritans want for England?

Answer 42

They wanted to develop their own Church, which would not be controlled by the monarch. There would be no bishops, and priests would not wear vestments. They wanted to make the world a 'more godly' place by banning 'sinful' activities, such as gambling and cock fighting. Puritans wanted a simpler style of worship, whitewashed churches and no worship of religious idols, including crucifixes and statues, which were seen as ungodly and too Catholic. Many Puritans were anti-Catholic and believed the pope was anti-Christ. A minority of Puritans believed the monarch could be overthrown in certain circumstances. This was especially the case if the monarch was Catholic.

Question 43

What did Elizabeth do to indirectly upset Puritans?

Answer 43

Elizabeth, anxious not to upset Catholics, demanded that a crucifix be placed in each Church. Puritans opposed this, and, when some Puritan bishops threatened to resign, she backed down, as she could not replace them with educated Protestant clergy of similar ability. Elizabeth wanted the clergy to wear special vestments, as described in the Royal Injunctions. This resulted in the resignation of 37 Puritan priests, who refused to attend church and wear the new vestments as required.

Question 44

To what extent was Puritan threat limited?

Answer 44

Puritanism had less of an impact on northern England, which remained mostly Catholic. The government ignored most Puritan demands for reform of the Church of England, suggesting that Puritanism's support was limited.

Question 45

What were Recusants?

Answer 45

Practiced the Catholic religion in secret. Elizabeth tolerated them initially, as she did not want to turn them into religious martyrs and she wanted to avoid a Catholic rebellion.

Question 46

What was the Counter Reformation?

Answer 46

The Catholic Church's attempt to reverse the Protestant Reformation in Europe and stop its spread. Protestants in Europe were charged with heresy (denying the teachings of the Catholic Church). They also burnt Protestant books. In 1566, the pope issued an instruction to English Catholics to not attend Church of England services.

Question 47

Why did Catholic nobility dislike Elizabeth?

Answer 47

Traditional and powerful nobility (major landowners) prospered under Mary I, such as the Nevilles and the Percys. They resented the loss of influence under Elizabeth and disliked the growing influence of her favourites, such as Sir William Cecil and Robert Dudley, Early of Leicster, who they saw as Protestant upstarts.

Question 48

To what extent was the Catholic threat limited?

Answer 48

The Catholic nobility in the north were very influential and always enjoyed freedom from the Crown, so they were well placed to incite a rebellion against Elizabeth. This threat was increased by the pope's instruction that Catholics were not to attend Church of England services. This gave them a powerful religious reason to rebel.

Question 49

How did Elizabeth upset France in 1562?

Answer 49

A religious civil war began in France, in 1562 between the Huguenots and Catholics. Elizabeth backed the Huguenots by supplying troops and money, as she was hoping to take back Calais in return. This backfired as the Huguenots and Catholics made peace. Together the united France army drove England out of France in 1563. This isolated England in Europe even further. France saw this as Elizabeth pushing heir weight and trying to topple their government. Spain didn't like how Elizabeth tried to topple another Catholic government in Europe. Phillip II of Spain didn't act but it worsened relations which Elizabeth tried to avoid.

Question 50

Why did Counter Reformation increase tensions between England and the Papacy and allied Catholic powers?

Answer 50

It meant Pope Pius V was prepared to end Protestant rule in England. He disapproved the steps Elizabeth had taken to suppress Catholicism following the revolt of the Northern Earls. The pope had excommunicated (being formally excluded from the Catholic Church) Elizabeth in 1570. This could only encourage Catholic powers, such as France and Spain, to attack England.

Question 51

Why did Elizabeth anger Spain between the years 1566-1570?

Answer 51

In 1566, Elizabeth publicly condemned the Dutch Protestants in the revolt (1566), but privately helped them to weaken Spain. She let Sea Beggars shelter in English ports and blocked Spanish troops using the Channel. This support showed her Protestant sympathy and angered Spain.

Question 52

Why was the Pope's excommunication of Elizabeth, 1570 so significant?

Answer 52

It declared her an illegitimate ruler, and instructed all Catholics to disobey her. It split Catholics from the Queen, making them seem as further threats towards the crown. It also gave moral justifications for further plots and invasions.

Question 53

Why was Elizabeth scared of her cousin, Mary Queen of Scots?

Answer 53

She had a legitimate claim to English throne and was at the centre of many plots designed to overthrow Elizabeth mainly because she was Catholic. Mary was Henry VIII's great-niece. Mary was married to the French king, Francis II, and inherited the Scottish crown when she was only six days old. While Mary was in France, her mother, Mary of Guise, ruled Scotland.

Question 54

Why was Mary, Queen of Scots, Important?

Answer 54

Mary was Catholic, which meant that many Catholics, including members of the nobility, would prepared to support her claim to the throne. Mary's claim was strengthened by the fact there were no concerns about her legitimacy. Elizabeth's legitimacy was seen as invalid due to her mother Anne Boleyn's marriage to Henry VIII. Mary, therefore, would always be at the centre of Catholic plots and conspiracies against Elizabeth. These plots were supported by both English plotters and foreign Catholic powers.

Question 55

What happened to Mary, Queen of Scots, when her first husband Francis II died?

Answer 55

On the death in 1960, Mary returned to Scotland and married Henry Stuart (Lord Darnley), producing and heir, James. Darnley was subsequently murdered - possibly with Mary's involvement and this time Mary married the Earl of Bothwell.

Question 56

Why was the murder of Lord Darnley so significant, 1567?

Answer 56

Lord Darnley was murdered in February 1567. Although the true identity has never been proven, James Hepburn, Earl of Bothwell, was almost certainly involved or was the murderer himself. Mary's quick marriage to Bothwell after the murder made Scots suspect her of being complicit. Scots decided to rebel against Mary, who was already unpopular, imprisoned her and forced her to abdicate the throne in favour of her son, James. Mary subsequently fled to England, seeking her cousin Elizabeth's help against Scottish rebels.

Question 57

Why was the Scottish threat significantly reduced after Mary's abdication?

Answer 57

James was a baby when he rose to power. He was Protestant, raised under Protestant regents, and didn't support Catholic plots. During this time Scotland was ruled by the Protestant regents who raised him. This massively reduced the threat from Scotland, because it no longer had a Catholic monarch that was close to other Catholic powers.

Question 58

What did Elizabeth do when Marry arrived in England in 1968?

Answer 58

Mary pleaded for Elizabeth's help in fighting the Scottish rebels. But Instead, Elizabeth had her arrested. Mary was too dangerous: a Catholic with a strong claim to the English throne. However, Mary was held in luxurious captivity as Elizabeth initially didn't want to execute or mistreat a fellow queen, fearing it would set a dangerous precedent. This significantly improved Elizabeth's relationship with the Protestant regents who ruled Scotland in King James' name. Although, the rebels demanded that Mary be handed over to them and tried for the murder of Darnley, Elizabeth refused.

Question 59

What happened to the Auid Alliance after Mary, Queen of Scots, imprisonment?

Answer 59

France and French King Charles IX, now focused on its own internal conflicts like the French Wars of Religion, had less capacity to support Scotland. While the alliance was not officially over, it became obsolete in practice as Scotland shifted towards alliance with Protestant England and Mary seemingly out of the picture.

Question 60

What was The Casket Letters Affair, 1568-1569?

Answer 60

A meeting that was set up at York to hear the case against Mary between October 1568 and January 1569. The Scottish lords brought love letters with them, supposedly written by Mary to the Earl of the Bothwell, that showed they had plotted to murder Lord Darnley. Mary said that she could not be tried because she was an anointed monarch, and would not offer a plea unless Elizabeth guaranteed a verdict of innocence. The conference did not reach any conclusions. Mary, therefore, remained captive in England.

Question 61

What were the benefits of not handing over Mary to the Scottish rebels?

Answer 61

Elizabeth ensured: the Scottish nobility would not mistreat or execute Mary themselves, which would anger Catholics in both Scotland and England. The French would also be satisfied. Her subjects did not punish an anointed monarch. However, Mary remained a threat to Elizabeth, because any plots against her, especially those involving Catholics, would seek to free Mary and replace Elizabeth with her.

Question 62

Why did Elizabeth not just make Mary, Queen of Scots, her heir?

Answer 62

This would upset English Protestants, including those on her Privy Council. Without the support of those Privy Councillors, Elizabeth - already distrusted by many Catholics - would have few supporters left. Moreover, the prospect of a Catholic heir would, in the event of Elizabeth's death, result in civil war.

Question 63

Why did the Northern Earls want to rebel?

Answer 63

The earls and their followers wanted to make England Catholic again. They especially resented the appointment of James Pilkington, a Protestant, as Bishop of Durham in 1561. The earls had lost much of their influence at court under Elizabeth. They resented the 'new men', such as William Cecil, John Forster and Robert Dudley. Elizabeth's refusal to name an heir, or to marry and have a child, created uncertainty. The earls feared civil war and loss of power and wealth under a future Protestant monarch.

Question 64

Who were the main rebels of the Revolt of the Northern Earls, 1569-1570?

Answer 64

Thomas Percy, Earl of Northumberland -- a major Catholic northern landowner and his wife, Ann Percy. Charles Neville, Earl of Westmorland -- a major Catholic northern landowner and his sister, Jane Neville. Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk, a senior noble and Protestant, with family links to the old, northern Catholic families. He planned to marry Mary, Queen of Scots.

Question 65

What was the marriage plan of The Revolt of the Northern Earls, 1569-1570?

Answer 65

Mary would marry the Duke of Norfolk, Thomas Howard, depose of Elizabeth and become queen herself. She told the Spanish Ambassador in 1569 that she "shall be Queen of England in three months" and that "mass shall be said all over the country". Robert Dudley told Elizabeth of the plot, leading to Norfolk's arrest and imprisonment in the Tower,

Question 66

How much progress did the Revolt of the Northern Earls, 1569-1570?

Answer 66

The Earls of Northumberland and Westmorland, with their wives' support, continued with the revolt. They took control of Durham Cathedral, celebrating mass there, as well as in other northern churches, and began to move south. Elizabeth moved Mary to Coventry, to stop her escaping to join the rebels. Though the rebels captured Hartlepool, support from Spain never arrived.

Question 67

Why did The Revolt of the Northern Earls, 1569-1570, fail?

Answer 67

Support from Spain never arrived. Many northern landowners, especially those in Lancashire and Cheshire, remained loyal to Elizabeth. Many landowners did not want to risk losing wealth gained from the dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII by backing a failed revolt.

Question 68

Why was The Revolt of the Northern Earls significant, 1569-1570?

Answer 68

It showed Mary, Queen of Scots, could not be trusted – and she remained in prison. The pope excommunicated Elizabeth and called on loyal Catholics to depose her. This encouraged further Catholic plots against her. The loyalty of England’s Catholics was now in doubt, forcing the government to take harsh steps against them. Elizabeth’s control over the north of England was strengthened.

Question 69

What was the Ridolfi Plot, 1571?

Answer 69

Another Catholic conspiracy to assassinate Queen Elizabeth and replace her with Mary, Queen of Scots, in order to restore Catholicism to England. It was led by Roberto Ridolfi, an Italian banker and Catholic from Florence. It was supported by Mary, Queen of Scots, Duke of Norfolk, King Phillip II of Spain, and the Pope. King Phillip II was expected to provide 10,000 troops to help the rebellion.

Question 70

Why did the Ridolfi plot, 1571, fail?

Answer 70

Sir William Cecil, Elizabeth's Secretary of State, and Sir Francis Walsingham, her spymaster, discovered the plot.

Question 71

What was the outcome of the Ridolfi plot, 1571?

Answer 71

The Duke of Norfolk was arrested and executed in 1572. Mary, Queen of Scots, was not executed at this point but came under tighter surveillance. The plot increased anti-Catholic feeling in England and led to stricter laws against Catholics.

Question 72

What was the significance of the Ridolfi plot, 1571?

Answer 72

Showed further danger of Mary, Queen of Scots as the Catholic figurehead. Somewhat strengthened Elizabeth's position and popularity as she was able to survive another plot. Deepened religious tensions between England and Catholic Europe, especially Spain.

Question 73

What was the Throckmorton plot, 1583?

Answer 73

The French Duke of Guise, a cousin of Mary, Queen of Scots, plotted to invade England and overthrow Elizabeth, free Mary and make England Catholic again. King Phillip II of Spain offered to help pay for the revolt, and the pope approved of the conspiracy. Francis Throckmorton, a young Englishman, would pass letters between the plotters and Mary, Queen of Scots.

Question 74

Why did the Throckmorton plot of 1583 fail?

Answer 74

Sir Francis Walsingham, Elizabeth's Secretary of State, discovered the plot in May 1583. In November 1583, Walsingham's spies found papers at Throckmorton's house that revealed his part in the conspiracy. Throckmorton was arrested and tortured. He confessed to his involvement and was executed in May 1584.

Question 75

Why was the Throckmorton plot of 1583 significant?

Answer 75

Revealed extent of threat posed by foreign Catholic powers, English Catholics and Mary, Queen of Scots. Throckmorton's papers included a list of Catholic sympathisers in England, confirming government's fears of 'enemy within'. Government treated English Catholics with greater suspicion. Many fled England after the plot. Up to 11000 were imprisoned, or kept under surveillance or house arrest. Increased tensions between England and Spain. Elizabeth worried France would unite with Spain, despite their own rivalry due to Elizabeth's increased intolerance towards Catholics.

Question 76

What was the Act for the Queen's Safety, 1585?

Answer 76

Passed in response to increasing Catholic plots, especially the Throckmorton Plot, 1583. If anyone tried to assassinate or depose Elizabeth, they would be executed. If Mary, Queen of Scots was involved, she could be legally executed.

Question 77

What was the act of parliament targeting Catholic priests, 1585?

Answer 77

The Act against Jesuits and Seminary Priests. Passed in 1585, at the same time as the Act for the Queen's Safety. This law made it treason to: be an ordained Catholic priest in England, Shelter or help a Catholic priest. It effectively outlawed the Catholic Church in England, many priests and sympathisers were executed or imprisoned.

Question 78

What was the Babington Plot, 1586?

Answer 78

Another Catholic conspiracy to assassinate Queen Elizabeth and put Mary, Queen of Scots on the English throne. She had agreed to the plot in writing. Anthony Babington, a young Catholic nobleman, wrote letters to Mary, Queen of Scots about a plan to kill Elizabeth, launch a Spanish invasion and put Mary on the throne.

Question 79

Why did the Babington Plot of 1586 fail?

Answer 79

The letters were intercepted and decoded by Sir Francis Walsingham, Elizabeth's spymaster. The evidence proved Mary's involvement - she had agreed to the plot in writing. Babington and 6 other plotters were executed.

Question 80

Why was the Babington Plot, 1586 so significant?

Answer 80

It was the final straw for Mary, Queen of Scots after the revolt of the Northern Earls, Ridolfi plot, and the Throckmorton Plot. She was put on trial and ultimately executed. Elizabeth signed the death warrant reluctantly, but it removed the biggest Catholic figurehead.

Question 81

Why was the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots, so significant?

Answer 81

Mary herself was an anointed monarch, so executing her set a dangerous precedent for Elizabeth. The execution made the succession even more uncertain, increasing the chances of civil war on Elizabeth's death. It did remove an important Catholic threat, as Mary had been the focus of all Catholic plots to depose Elizabeth. However, the execution further angered Spain and gave Phillip II further reason to attack England, as Mary left her claim to the throne to Philip on her death.