Elizabeth's Court and Parliament Flashcards
(45 cards)
Who was Elizabeth I?
- Born in 1533
- Second child of Henry VIII
- Elizabeth’s mother, Anne Boleyn, was executed in 1536
-Became Queen in 1558
What was Elizabeth’s character like?
-Cautious: only trusted a few advisors. Also indecisive, reluctant to make decisions without considering consequences
-Intelligent
-Confident
-Powerful
How did gender cause issues for Elizabeth?
-16th century: Most people believed monarch should be male. Thought rule by a woman was unnatural.
-Most expected Elizabeth to act as figurehead, without real power. Thought she should let male counsellors take control/ find husband to govern for her.
How did Elizabeth assert power as a female monarch?
-She adopted a new writing script, wrote Rs in masculine form
–> Shows her role of monarch as male. Goes on official gov. documents, asserts authority as strong leader.
-Refers to herself as ‘prince’
–> Others view her body politic as very powerful
-Uses feminine body natural to her advantage.
How did illegitimacy cause issues for Elizabeth?
-1533: Henry VIII divorced his first wife, and married Anne Boleyn
-Many Catholics believed their marriage was invalid, Elizabeth was illegitimate as divorce was forbidden in Catholic Church.
-Illegitimate children weren’t allowed to inherit, issue of legitimacy weakened claim to the throne. Some thought Mary Queen of Scots had more right to rule.
What was the Royal Court?
-Centre of royal and political power
-Elizabeth’s royal court met where she was
- Made up of Officials, Ladies-in-waiting, Servants, Advisers
-Approximately 1,000 people were in Elizabeth’s royal court
What did Elizabeth use her Royal Court for?
-Demonstrate her power and wealth
-Hold feasts, parties, dances and general entertainment
-Control the nobility and gentry
-Reward loyalty
What did the Privy Council do?
They met with the monarch three times a week to:
-Give the monarch advice on key decisions
-Enact her wishes
-Monitor the other government
organisations, e.g. the Justices of the Peace
What was the role of Parliament?
Parliament held some important powers:
-They approved extraordinary tax
-If the Queen wanted to change the law, parliament needed to pass an Act of Parliament
-They gave the monarch advice on key decisions
What was the Lord Lieutenant?
Lord Lieutenants held essential powers in protecting the monarchy:
-They trained and assembled the local militia in unrest
-They ensured the people in their community followed Elizabeth’s policies
-They supervised the Justices of the Peace
Who were Justices of the Peace?
It was an unpaid, voluntary position. They played a vital role in keeping law and order:
-They collected poor relief
-They acted as judges in serious crimes in the county court. This occurred every three months
-They ensured the people in their community followed Elizabeth’s policies
What were Progresses?
-Involved Elizabeth touring the country
The royal court travelled, with her
- Elizabeth would stay at the homes of the wealthiest noble, was considered both an honour and a hindrance
-Considered an honour as they would have the privilege to house and entertain the queen
-They were a hindrance because progress was often expensive, could put those hosting in debt
Why was it important that Progresses allowed Elizabeth to save money?
-When Elizabeth came to the throne, the crown was £300,000 in debt due to previous wars.
-When on her progress the nobility/gentry were expected to pay for entertainment, food and housing etc
This saved her a lot of money
Who was William Cecil?
One of Elizabeth’s most trusted advisers.
In the Elizabethan government:
-Served as Secretary of State twice
-Was a Member of Parliament (MP)
-Was a member of the Privy Council
Who was Francis Walsingham?
-A member of the Privy Council
-Principle secretary
-Secretary of State
-A very successful ‘Spymaster’
-Played a pivotal role in the trial and execution of Mary Queen of Scots in 1587
-A prominent Puritan in Elizabeth’s royal court
Who was Robert Dudley?
-A member of the nobility and childhood friends with Elizabeth I
-A favourite of Elizabeth’s and a possible suitor
-A privy councillor
-Lieutenant and Captain General of the Queen’s armies and companies
Like Walsingham, was a prominent Puritan in Elizabeth’s royal court
How did Elizabeth use Patronage to ensure Loyalty and Stability?
-Many royal courtiers looked for an opportunity to gain the Queen’s favour
-Patronage was essential, allowed her to manage court rivalries and competition
-Elizabeth gave loyal courtiers patronage through titles, monopolies, power, money, land.
E.g. 1587 the Earl of Essex was given a sweet wine monopoly, after the death of his stepfather, Robert Dudley
Why was it important that Progresses were a form of Propaganda?
Progresses allowed her to be seen by the people of England as it helped to build a relationship with her people and to gain their loyalty
How did Progresses help to prevent rebellions?
Attending a certain area or member or nobilities house, served as a reminder to who their loyalty should belong to.
Why was Elizabeth wary of marriage?
-Mary I married the Catholic King Philip II of Spain. He controlled Mary, led England to war against France, losing Calais
-Marriage was often brought up in Parliament and caused tension between Elizabeth and her subjects.
What were the advantages of marriage for Elizabeth?
-Could prevent a Catholic monarch from ruling England after Elizabeth dies
-A powerful alliance could be made if Elizabeth married someone from a foreign country
-Elizabeth could create an heir if she married
-Elizabeth could become wealthier if she married a rich, English nobleman
Why was it important that Elizabeth had an heir?
Monarchs need heirs to:
-Continue the line of succession
-Create stability within the country
-Provide security for the monarch
How did Succession cause problems for Elizabeth?
-Elizabeth got smallpox in 1562
-Cecil was told that she was going to die, there was no named heir
-After her illness, parliament urged her to nominate an heir or marry
-She refused, claimed naming an heir would endanger her
Positives of marrying Philip of Spain
-Was the most powerful, richest monarch in Europe
-Controlled South America, could provide resources and good trade links for England
-Was Catholic, could help to unite the country.
