The Significance of Developments in Religion during the Elizabethan Settlement

Question 1

Question 1
What major religious shifts occurred in England before Elizabeth I took the throne?

Answer 1

• Henry VIII broke with Rome.
• Edward VI enforced Protestantism.
• Mary I restored Roman Catholicism.

Question 2

Question 2
Why was Elizabeth I’s position as monarch precarious?

Answer 2

• She was the last Tudor monarch, meaning securing an heir was vital.
• Mary Stuart, a Catholic, was next in line for succession.
• Pope & many Catholics saw Elizabeth as illegitimate, favoring Mary Stuart’s claim.
• France supported Mary Stuart, strengthening Catholic opposition to Elizabeth.

Question 3

Question 3
How did Catholic opposition threaten Elizabeth?

Answer 3

Many wanted her dead or deposed, to place Mary Stuart on the throne.

Question 4

Question 4
What were the choices/ options facing Elizabeth I surrounding Religion in 1559?

Answer 4

• Continue with Roman Catholicism.
• Revert to Henry VIII’s English Catholicism.
• Change to Protestantism as seen under Edward VI.
• Change country to less strict Protestantism.

Question 5

Question 5
How would continuing Catholicism affect Elizabeth’s power?

Answer 5

She would have to share power with the Pope.

Question 6

Question 6
How would Catholic nations respond to Elizabeth continuing with Catholicism?

Answer 6

Pope & Catholic countries would support her, ensuring religious conformity.

Question 7

Question 7
How would different religious groups react to Elizabeth continuing with Catholicism?

Answer 7

• Devout Catholics would be pleased.
• Strong Protestants would be deeply unhappy.

Question 8

Question 8
What are the advantages & disadvantages of Elizabeth continuing with Catholicism?

Answer 8

• Increases stability by reducing foreign invasion threats - Strength.
• Angers Protestants, creating unrest - Weakness.

Question 9

Question 9
How would Elizabeth’s personal power change if she reverted to Henrician Catholicism?

Answer 9

She wouldn’t have to share power with the Pope.

Question 10

Question 10
How would Catholic powers respond if she reverted to Henrician Catholicism?

Answer 10

• Pope & Catholic nations would be furious, possibly supporting Mary Stuart’s claim.
• Protestants would be disappointed.

Question 11

Question 11
How would different groups react if she reverted to Henrician Catholicism?

Answer 11

Angers extreme Catholics & Protestants alike.

Question 12

Question 12
What are the advantages & disadvantages if she reverted to Henrician Catholicism?

Answer 12

• Strengthens Elizabeth’s personal authority - Strength.
• Creates a wide range of enemies - Weakness.

Question 13

Question 13
How would Elizabeth’s power change if she adopted Edward VI’s strict Protestantism?

Answer 13

Her authority would increase, as she wouldn’t share religious power with the Pope.

Question 14

Question 14
How would other nations react if she adopted Edward VI’s strict Protestantism?

Answer 14

• Catholics might support Mary Stuart to overthrow Elizabeth.
• Protestant allies like Scotland & Germany would approve.

Question 15

Question 15
How would religious groups react if she adopted Edward VI’s strict Protestantism?

Answer 15

• Protestants would be satisfied.
• Catholics would be deeply angered.

Question 16

Question 16
What are the advantages & disadvantages if she adopted Edward VI’s strict Protestantism?

Answer 16

• Gains allies like Scotland & Germany - Strength.
• Creates strong Catholic opposition - Weakness.

Question 17

Question 17
How would Elizabeth implementing a less strict form of Protestantism affect the Church of England?

Answer 17

It wouldn’t be clearly defined, possibly leading to rebellions from both extremes.

Question 18

Question 18
How would Catholic & Protestant nations respond if Elizabeth implemented a less strict form of Protestantism?

Answer 18

• May create unease, as battle lines are vaguely drawn.
• Reduces rebellion risks, as both groups get partial satisfaction.

Question 19

Question 19
How would religious factions react if Elizabeth implemented a less strict form of Protestantism?

Answer 19

• Moderates would be happy with compromise.
• Religious extremists wouldn’t be satisfied

Question 20

Question 20
What are the advantages & disadvantages if Elizabeth implemented a less strict form of Protestantism?

Answer 20

• Keeps the majority of England content - Strength.
• Risk of rebellion from extreme factions - Weakness.

Question 21

Question 21
Why did King Philip II need an alliance with England?

Answer 21

• Spain had drawn England into a war with France.
• Philip feared France & Scotland uniting to invade England.
• Losing access to the English Channel would sever Spanish communication with the Netherlands.
• Philip was short of money & needed peace, even considering proposing marriage to Elizabeth.

Question 22

Question 22
What was happening in France in 1558-1559?

Answer 22

• France was at war with England - due to Spain gettomg them involved.
• 1559: Francis II & Mary Stuart became King & Queen of France.
• Mary Stuart declared herself Queen of England, challenging Elizabeth’s legitimacy.

Question 23

Question 23
Who ruled Scotland in 1558 & why was her authority unstable?

Answer 23

• Mary of Guise - Mary Stuart’s mother - ruled Scotland.
• Scottish Protestant nobility distrusted her, increasing instability.

Question 24

Question 24
Why was the Netherlands important to England?

Answer 24

Antwerp was a crucial port for the English textile trade.

Question 25

Question 25 How could the Pope challenge Elizabeth’s rule?

Answer 25

* Could excommunicate her, meaning Catholics wouldn’t be obligated to obey her rule. * Could encourage a Catholic crusade against Elizabeth.

Question 26

Question 26 What was the religious composition of the House of Commons & House of Lords?

Answer 26

* House of Commons was largely Protestant, with some Catholic defenders. * House of Lords was predominantly Catholic, with Catholic Bishops blocking laws.

Question 27

Question 27 Who dominated Elizabeth’s Privy Council?

Answer 27

Protestants, led by William Cecil & Robert Dudley.

Question 28

Question 28 Who were the Marian Exiles & what did they expect?

Answer 28

* Protestants who fled under Mary I’s reign - 800 men. * Expected Elizabeth to protect them & enact religious reforms. * Their Protestant beliefs had hardened, but they weren't a united group.

Question 29

Question 29 What was the majority religious stance of the English population?

Answer 29

Mostly conservative in their religious beliefs, preferring stability.

Question 30

Question 30 How did the Clergy reinforce Catholicism?

Answer 30

* Mary I had appointed solidly Catholic clergy. * Priests actively resisted Protestantism, preaching against reform. * A Canterbury priest began arming people, sparking fears of a Catholic revolt.

Question 31

Question 31 Why was Elizabeth’s role as Head of the Church controversial?

Answer 31

* Extremists opposed a woman leading the Church, risking alienation. * If Catholic Bishops refused to stay, Elizabeth would need Protestant replacements.

Question 32

Question 32 Had the Church structure changed much under Elizabeth?

Answer 32

* Catholic courts remained, and the hierarchy remained unchanged. * Rituals & ceremonies were crucial to identity, causing tensions.

Question 33

Question 33 What were the opposing views on Church doctrine?

Answer 33

* Conservatives wanted Catholic doctrine unchanged. * Radical reformers wanted Catholic influence removed, seeing it as corrupt

Question 34

Question 34 How did Elizabeth’s upbringing shape her religious views?

Answer 34

* Educated by leading humanists, living in a Protestant household. * In her youth, she translated three texts by Desiderius Erasmus, a Catholic with Protestant sympathies.

Question 35

Question 35 How was Elizabeth viewed during different reigns?

Answer 35

- Example of piety during Edward VI’s reign. - Considered a heretic during Mary I’s reign.

Question 36

Question 36 How did Elizabeth’s coronation reflect her religious stance?

Answer 36

- Told priests carrying candles “Away with those torches.” - Bread & wine were not consecrated during the ceremony.

Question 37

Question 37 What did Elizabeth do on Christmas Day 1558?

Answer 37

Walked out of her chapel when the Bishop raised the consecrated bread during Mass.

Question 38

Question 38 How did Elizabeth’s Privy Council shape religious policy?

Answer 38

- Dominated by Protestants - led by Cecil & Dudley. - Protestant preachers were invited to give public sermons.

Question 39

Question 39 How did Elizabeth blend Catholic traditions with Protestant practices?

Answer 39

- Attended Protestant services, but kept crucifixes & candles in her private chapel. - Opposed married clergy, especially married Bishops. - Preferred clergy in vestments, hymns sung by choir boys with organ accompaniment. - Disliked long sermons and endless theological debates.

Question 40

Question 40 What did Elizabeth aim to achieve with religious reform?

Answer 40

- Appeared as a Protestant heroine—signaling a break from Mary I’s repression. - Secured loyalty from exiles & Protestant allies. - Incorporated traditional structure & rituals to comfort conservative citizens, minimizing social upheaval.

Question 41

Question 41 How did Elizabeth I attempt to establish religious uniformity?

Answer 41

- Used Parliament, as Henry VIII & Thomas Cromwell had done. - Proposed a law to make herself Head of the Church & unify religion, but Catholics in House of Lords rejected it.

Question 42

Question 42 What two events in 1559 helped Elizabeth push religious reform?

Answer 42

- Treaty of Cateau-Cambresis – Ended war between France & Spain, allowing focus on religious policies. - Government debate exposed Catholic opposition – Elizabeth suspended Parliament, arrested two Catholic bishops, removing key opposition.

Question 43

Question 43 When was Elizabeth's Act of Supremacy?

Answer 43

1559.

Question 44

Question 44 What change did the Act of Supremacy make to Elizabeth’s role in the Church?

Answer 44

- Made her ‘Supreme Governor’ of the Church instead of ‘Supreme Head’. - This did not change her power, just her title.

Question 45

Question 45 How did the Act of Supremacy enforce religious loyalty?

Answer 45

- All clergy had to swear an oath of loyalty. - Royal commissioners ensured compliance, with a court to prosecute dissenters. - England retained two Archbishops & a Bishop hierarchy to enforce new rules. - Communion allowed in both Catholic & Protestant forms.

Question 46

Question 46 What impact did the Act of Supremacy have?

Answer 46

* Maintained Elizabeth’s control over Church, continuing Henry VIII & Edward VI’s approach. * Introduced change by allowing both Communion types for the first time

Question 47

Question 47 When was the Act of Uniformity?

Answer 47

1559.

Question 48

Question 48 What did the Act of Uniformity establish?

Answer 48

- Made Protestantism the official faith. - New Book of Common Prayer - fusion of Edward VI’s two. - Mandatory Church attendance on Sundays, with a fine of one shilling for non-compliance.

Question 49

Question 49 What rules did the Act of Uniformity set for Church appearance & worship?

Answer 49

- Church ornaments & clergy dress based on 1548 standards. - Communion service wording combined phrases from 1549 & 1552 prayer books. - Omitted the ‘Black Rubric’, which denied the real presence of Christ in Communion.

Question 50

Question 50 What was the impact of the Act of Uniformity?

Answer 50

- People no longer had to kneel for Communion. - Created a Protestant Church with Catholic elements, appealing to a broader audience. - Marked a clear break from her predecessors.

Question 51

Question 51 What additional religious instructions did Elizabeth enforce?

Answer 51

- Priests had to be licensed by Bishops before preaching. - Church taxes paid to Elizabeth. - Clergy allowed to marry, but wives required Bishop approval. - Monasteries restored under Mary I were dissolved again—landowners retained their property.

Question 52

Question 52 What was the broader impact of Elizabeth's Royal Injunctions?

Answer 52

Established a uniformly Protestant Church under Elizabeth’s full control.

Question 53

Question 53 When were Elizabeth's Royal Injunctions?

Answer 53

1559.

Question 54

Question 54 What changes did the 1559 Book of Common Prayer introduce?

Answer 54

- Standardized Protestant worship across England. - Allowed both Catholic & Protestant forms of Communion, blending traditions.

Question 55

Question 55 How did Elizabeth handle Church aesthetics?

Answer 55

- Ornaments were permitted, maintaining some Catholic influences. - Priests’ vestments remained decorative, unlike strict Protestant practices.

Question 56

Question 56 What was Elizabeth’s title in relation to the Church?

Answer 56

‘Supreme Governor’ of the Church, ensuring her control without direct papal interference.

Question 57

Question 57 What financial power did Elizabeth gain over the Church?

Answer 57

She could collect tithes - taxes - from the people, further centralising authority.

Question 58

Question 58 How did the Elizabethan Settlement alter Church-State relations?

Answer 58

- The Church became subservient to the State. - All clergy had to swear an oath of loyalty to the monarch, reinforcing Elizabeth’s control.

Question 59

Question 59 How did Elizabeth expect the Settlement to affect religious conflict?

Answer 59

Hoped it would ease tensions between Catholics & Protestants, but initial reaction was muted.

Question 60

Question 60 How many clergy resigned or were dismissed as a result of the Elizabethan Settlement?

Answer 60

Approximately 400, including virtually all Catholic Bishops appointed by Mary.

Question 61

Question 61 How did these resignations benefit Elizabeth?

Answer 61

Allowed her to appoint new leadership willing to accept her religious changes.

Question 62

Question 62 Who did Elizabeth appoint as Archbishop of Canterbury?

Answer 62

Matthew Parker, a moderate Protestant.

Question 63

Question 63 Why was Parker’s appointment significant?

Answer 63

His reluctance left room for opposition, while others took posts to push for more radical reform.

Question 64

Question 64 How was religious practice inconsistent after the Settlement?

Answer 64

* Some parishes followed hymns in the Common Prayer Book, but not all wore correct vestments. * Protestants were disappointed, especially Puritans, who wanted to remove practices not in the Bible, E.g. rings in weddings. * Catholics were largely satisfied, though some ministers ignored the new Prayer Book.

Question 65

Question 65 How did Elizabeth view the Church’s wealth?

Answer 65

Like Henry VIII, she saw it as a treasure box, using it to fund her reign.

Question 66

Question 66 What did the Act of Exchange - 1559 - allow Elizabeth to do?

Answer 66

- Take over property owned by Bishops & force them to rent it from her. - Used as a threat to keep bishops in line.

Question 67

Question 67 What dress code changes did Archbishop Parker introduce in 1566?

Answer 67

- Clergy must wear surplice - white garment - & cope - fancy cloak - during Communion. - Other situations allowed clergy to choose attire.

Question 68

Question 68 How did Protestants respond to vestment rules?

Answer 68

- Many were offended, seeing vestments as too Catholic. - 37 London clergymen refused to wear them and were dismissed. - Most conformed, fearing encouraging Catholicism by leaving the Church.

Question 69

Question 69 Why did France & Spain initially pose little threat?

Answer 69

- France was distracted by civil war. - A Council of Catholic clergy - 1563 - opposed Elizabeth’s changes, creating hostility. - Spain sent soldiers to defend the Netherlands, bringing Spanish troops dangerously close to England.

Question 70

Question 70 When were the 39 Articles first published?

Answer 70

1563 ## Footnote Note - Revised in 1571.

Question 71

Question 71 What were the Thirty-Nine Articles - 1563?

Answer 71

A formal definition of Church beliefs & practices, accepted by Convocation - Church's Parliament.

Question 72

Question 72 What was the major change to the 39 Articles in 1571?

Answer 72

- Clergy only had to follow doctrinal articles. - Made the Bible the primary religious authority.

Question 73

Question 73 What did Walter Strickland’s Bill propose in 1571?

Answer 73

- Changes to the Common Prayer Book, including removal of superstitious practices, E.g. ring in marriage.

Question 74

Question 74 How did Elizabeth’s government respond?

Answer 74

- Privy Council summoned Strickland & barred him from Parliament. - Reinstated after MP complaints, but his Bill was never mentioned again.

Question 75

Question 75 What radical changes did Anthony Cope propose in 1586?

Answer 75

- Overturn government structure & change the Church completely. - Replace the Common Prayer Book & abolish Bishops.

Question 76

Question 76 What was the Government’s reaction to the Cope proposal?

Answer 76

- Cope & four others were sent to Tower. - MPs warned that monastic lands would be seized to fund a new Church if reforms passed. - Bill vanished completely.

Question 77

Question 77 Why were these Parliamentary attempts important?

Answer 77

- Failed Puritan attempts at reform show Elizabeth’s firm control. - Speaking out against Elizabeth’s religious policy was ineffective. - Elizabeth made clear she wouldn’t tolerate opposition to her Church Settlement.

Question 78

Question 78 How did some Protestants view the Elizabethan Settlement?

Answer 78

Believed it was too Catholic, leading to Puritan opposition.

Question 79

Question 79 Who were Puritan supporters in Elizabeth’s court?

Answer 79

Key figures like Secretary of State Francis Walsingham

Question 80

Question 80 What happened to Puritan influence after Walsingham’s death in 1590?

Answer 80

Declined significantly, as major supporters were gone.

Question 81

Question 81 By 1559, what stance had all Puritans accepted?

Answer 81

They agreed to follow the Book of Common Prayer.

Question 82

Question 82 Where did Presbyterianism gain support?

Answer 82

London, Essex, Cambridge, Suffolk & parts of the East Midlands.

Question 83

Question 83 What did Thomas Cartwright - Cambridge University, 1570 - argue?

Answer 83

- Criticized the Church’s structure as based on “popish” ideas. - Cambridge’s Vice Chancellor opposed him, leading to Cartwright’s removal from his post.

Question 84

Question 84 What was John Field’s Admonition to Parliament - 1572?

Answer 84

- Two pamphlets attacking Common Prayer Book. - Called for the removal of bishops and a Presbyterian church structure. - Targeted MPs, but accessible to the public.

Question 85

Question 85 How did Archbishop of Canterbury John Whitgift suppress Presbyterians?

Answer 85

- Enforced Three Articles for Clergy: - Refused Cartwright a preaching license—400 more clergy refused compliance. - Late 1580s: Presbyterianism declined, suffering satirical attacks. - John Field died in 1589, further weakening movement.

Question 86

Question 86 How did Separatists differ from mainstream Puritans?

Answer 86

- Most extreme form of Puritanism, hated by other Puritans. - Believed the Church was incapable of reform. - Rejected Elizabeth’s role as Supreme Governor. - Advocated for independent congregations, separate from state control.

Question 87

Question 87 What was Robert Browne’s role in the Separatist movement?

Answer 87

- Led a significant congregation in Norwich. - Exiled to the Netherlands (1582) with his followers. - Returned to England (1585), aided by Lord Burghley.

Question 88

Question 88 Who led Separatism in London & what happened to them?

Answer 88

- Henry Barrow & John Greenwood. - Their actions led to the 1593 Act for Seditious Sectaries, sect members charged with treason. - Both executed in 1593, destroying Separatism.

Question 89

Question 89 What did these events reveal about Elizabeth’s religious control?

Answer 89

- Puritan efforts failed to bring about reforms, despite parliamentary attempts. - Elizabeth demonstrated her intolerance for opposition to her policies. - By the 1590s, Puritan influence had significantly declined.

Question 90

Quetsion 90 How did Elizabeth I handle Catholicism initially?

Answer 90

- Tolerated Catholics as long as they were obedient & outwardly conformed. - Focused on removing Catholic imagery from churches, hoping for compromise.

Question 91

Question 91 What did the Act of Uniformity - 1559 - impose on Catholics?

Answer 91

- Fines for recusants - those who refused to attend Anglican services. - Rarely enforced, suggesting Catholic sympathy in rural areas.

Question 92

Question 92 How did Catholics resist Elizabeth’s religious policies?

Answer 92

- Continued following Catholic Bishops who refused the Oath of Supremacy - 1559. - Some priests conducted private ceremonies, which went unpunished. - Some Catholics fled to Europe rather than accept Elizabeth’s reforms

Question 93

Question 93 How did the Pope respond to Elizabeth’s reforms?

Answer 93

- 1567: Instructed Catholics not to attend Anglican services. - 1570: Excommunicated Elizabeth, declaring Catholics free from loyalty to her and encouraging her deposition.

Question 94

Question 94 How did Spain’s military presence threaten England?

Answer 94

- 1567: Spain sent 10,000 troops to suppress rebellion in the Netherlands. - Raised fears of Spanish invasion, as troops were dangerously close to England.

Question 95

Question 95 How did Mary Queen of Scots become a focus for Catholic resistance?

Answer 95

- 1568: Arrived in England seeking sanctuary. - Catholics saw her as a legitimate alternative to Elizabeth.

Question 96

Question 96 How did Catholic efforts escalate after Mary Stuart’s arrival?

Answer 96

- 1568: Missionary school in the Netherlands trained priests to convert England back to Catholicism. - By 1575, 11 missionaries had arrived in England; by 1580-85, this rose to 179.

Question 97

Question 97 What Catholic uprisings threatened Elizabeth’s reign?

Answer 97

- 1569: Catholic northern nobles - Earl of Northumberland & Westmorland - rebelled, aiming to install Mary Stuart as Queen. - 1571: Ridolfi Plot uncovered, planning to assassinate Elizabeth & replace her with Mary Stuart.

Question 98

Question 98 How did events in France heighten Elizabeth’s fears?

Answer 98

- 1572: French Catholics massacred Protestants, raising concerns they might turn their focus on England.

Question 99

Question 99 What did Catholic opposition reveal about Elizabeth’s position?

Answer 99

- Initially tolerated Catholicism, but opposition grew significantly after 1568. - Foreign Catholic powers & internal resistance made Elizabeth’s position more precarious. - Threats of invasion, rebellion, & assassination pressured her to tighten religious control.

Question 100

Question 100 When was the Papal Bulls Treason Act?

Answer 100

1571.

Question 101

Question 101 What did the 1571 Papal Bulls Treason Act criminalise?

Answer 101

Made the publication of Papal Bulls treason.

Question 102

Question 102 What were Papal Bulls?

Answer 102

Decrees or letters issued by the Pope.

Question 103

Question 103 When was the Suppression of Catholic Worship Act?

Answer 103

1581.

Question 104

Question 104 What were the penalties for practicing Catholicism under the 1581 Suppression Act?

Answer 104

- Made opposing the Church of England or Queen treasonous. - Saying mass punishable by fines & imprisonment. - Fine for recusants increased to £20 per month.

Question 105

Question 105 How many Catholic priests were executed in 1581-1582?

Answer 105

- 1581: 4 priests executed. - 1582: 11 priests executed.

Question 106

Question 106 What did the 1585 Act against Jesuits & Seminary Priests declare?

Answer 106

Made it treason for priests with the Pope’s authority to enter England.

Question 107

Question 107 How many priests were executed under this Act between 1586-1603?

Answer 107

123 Catholic priests were convicted & executed.

Question 108

Question 108 When was the Act against Jesuits & Seminary Priests?

Answer 108

1585.

Question 109

Question 109 How did Catholicism shift due to these laws?

Answer 109

- Became a ‘country-house religion’, where nobles hid Catholic priests. - Priests associated more with nobility for protection, avoiding ordinary communities.

Question 110

Question 110 What did these laws indicate about England’s religious direction?

Answer 110

- Confirmed Elizabeth’s increasing Protestant stance. - Catholicism became a direct political threat to her reign. - Religious conflict remained deeply embedded in England