Elizabeths Court And Parliament Flashcards
(36 cards)
When did Elizabeth reign?
1558-1603
Why was she unlikely to become queen?
Her younger brother and older sister came before her in the succesion
Did she like her father?
Only met him a few times as she was exhaled from court, loved him
What was her education like?
She received a brilliant education - shared some of her brothers tutors - Cambridge scholar roger ascham
What was her reputation like and why?
Her love of learning gave her a reputation of seriousness
What languages could she speak and by what age?
By the age of fourteen she could speak French, Italian, Spanish and Latin fluently and could read Greek
What were her other skills?
She was musical, athletic - enjoyed horseriding and dancing- skilled at needle work
Who acted as a mother figure to her?
Henrys sixth wife Catherine parr - influenced her Protestant beliefs and educational values
What restored Elizabeth to the throne?
The third act of succession in 1544
What was Edward’s reign like?
- January 1547
- 9 years old
- aloof and arrogant
- tainted by political instability
- the power behind the throne was the Duke of Somerset - fell from power due to his arrogance and was executed for treason
What happened between Elizabeth and Thomas Seymour?
A flirt between Elizabeth and Thomas Seymour, who was Catherine parr’s new husband developed, which led to a grave scandal, putting her life in danger. Seymour was executed for treason in 1549, as it was suggested that they were to marry and overthrow Edward. Elizabeth was humiliated, and she learnt to keep her distance and trust nobody at court.
Who was proclaimed queen after Edward’s death?
Jane grey due to Edward being persuaded to name her heir by the Duke Of Northumberland
Lady Jane grey was defeated after 9 days - Mary + liz rode into London triumphantly
What did Mary do as ruler?
Crowned July 1553
a strict Roman Catholic - restored the authority of the pope in England
Mary hated Elizabeth and her mother for displacing her own mother
Mary rounded up 300 Protestants and burned them over 5 years - Bloody Mary
What did Mary do to Elizabeth ?
Ordered her rest as she suspected her of working with the rebels. She imprisoned her in the Tower of London for two months, and when she was released, she put on house arrest.
What benefitted her when she became queen?
All the struggles in her childhood allowed her to become the queen that she became when she was crowned on the 15th of January 1559.
What was court life like for Elizabeth?
Run by the Lord Chamberlain, and was located wherever the Queen was
Consisted of the Queen’s household - 500 Nobles, advisors, officials, and servants. They were called the courtiers.
The court was the centre of power and source of the latest trends and fashions
It included the privy council, justices of peace and parliament were not part of it .
Who held power at court?
Parliament - made up at the house of lords and commons. Could be called at any time and ignored. Responsible for passing laws and had influence over tax.
Privy council - led by the Secretary of State, responsible for running of the country, made up of the most powerful landowners, if the council was united, she couldn’t go against their wishes
Justices of peace - several in every country, responsible for maintaining law and order
Lord lieutenants - responsible for running an area of the country, responsible for raising a military to fight for the queen.
What was patronage?
In henry VIII time, the privy chamber had been a crucial power hub with the kings, friends and personal attendance also being key politicians.
With the woman on the throne- the political nature of the privy chamber was reduced as it was staffed by females
Elizabeth dealt with this situation by using a system of patronage
This involved showing favouritism by giving particular men important jobs . She gave her male, Courteeners political jobs and was careful to give key politicians places at court these jobs brought on wealth and prestige
Although it was a highly corrupt system, it was very effective, and it caused intense competition and rivalries at court, and between people , this made people very loyal to Elizabeth.
How was religion a difficulty to Elizabeth as a female ruler?
The tutor period had seen England’s official religion change a number of times, which led to instability and violence
Many Catholics didn’t trust Elizabeth and claim she had no right to be queen
Puritanism was seen as a threat because they wanted to take control of the church
How was succession a difficulty to a female ruler?
She was the last living child of Henry VIII and had no children of her own
In 1562, she nearly died of smallpox , this drew attention to the uncertainty of Elizabeth’s future
As a result, senior figures wanted her to marry as soon as possible
How the foreign policy was an issue to Elizabeth as a female ruler?
Catholic countries like Spain and France wanted influence over England, and had the support of the Pope
Another area of tension was the Netherlands, where protestants were in conflict with its Spanish leaders, and Elizabeth and England had to decide whether or not to get involved
What was the issue with Ireland to Elizabeth as a female ruler?
Like her predecessors , Elizabeth considered herself to be a queen of Ireland
In 1559, she faced a major revolt in Ireland, the first of several during her reign
What is the issue with Mary Queen of Scots on Elizabeth as a female ruler?
With no direct heir, the next in line to the throne was Elizabeth’s Catholic, cousin, Mary
Many Catholics saw her as an alternative queen of England, and this made her serious threat to Elizabeth
How was taxation a difficulty for Elizabeth, as a female ruler?
the country was short of money, and Elizabeth needed to raise taxes
Poverty was widespread, and raising taxes would be very unpopular, making her more unpopular
