2.1 Plots and revolts at home Flashcards
Why was the north a threat to Elizabeth?
far away from London, majority remained loyal to Catholicism and ancient noble Catholic families.
Why did Catholics in the north feel under threat during Elizabeth’s reign?
She introduced Protestantism and promoted ‘new men’ from the gentry and lower ranks of the nobility to some of the most important government positions.
What year was the Revolt of the Northern Earls?
1569
What 4 factors led to the Revolt of the Northern Earls in 1569?
- the earls and their followers wanted Catholicism restored in England
- the earls had lost a great deal of their influence at court since Elizabeth I became queen in 1558
- Elizabeth refused to name an heir or to marry and have a child, creating uncertainty about England’s future
- Mary, Queen of Scots, in captivity in England, was a figurehead who could potentially replace Elizabeth and, in doing so, resolve the other issues the earls had.
Who were the key players in the Revolt of the Northern Earls?
- Thomas Percy, Earl of Northumberland
- Charles Neville, Earl of Westmorland
- Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk
- Mary, Queen of Scots
- Jane Neville
- Ann Percy
What role did Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk, play in the rebellion?
One of England’s most senior nobles and a Protestant, although having close links to old, northern Catholic families too. Coming from an ancient noble family, disliked newcomers (e.g. William Cecil and Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester). A central part of the revolt was a plot to marry him to Mary. Later backed down and urged the earls to call off the rebellion.
Why was Thomas Percy, Earl of Northumberland upset?
Catholic. Important position at court under Mary I, lost influence under Elizabeth I (favoured new Protestant gentry). Lost the rights to valuable, newly discovered copper mine found on his land to the queen in 1567.
Who was James Plikington?
Appointed archbishop of Durham in 1561 (E wanted to lessen influence of Catholicism in north). Pilkington became most important clergyman in north. Efforts to impose Protestantism unpopular - turned many northerners against him and new religion.
FACTOR: RELIGION
Explain Thomas Percy, Earl of Northumberland’s resentment towards the Forster family.
The Forsters were an up-and-coming rival northern family, whom Northumberland resented. Elizabeth I favoured Sir John Forster and gave him the task of looking after the borders with Scotland.
Northumberland felt his own status was undermined- relationship with queen never recovered.
FACTOR: POLITICS
What did William Cecil think about the Earl of Northumberland?
William Cecil (one of the queen’s closest advisers) saw him as a threat because of his Catholic religion.
What would happen if Elizabeth I dies without an heir?
England could be thrown into confusion, possibly even civil war.
How did the Revolt of the Northern Earls start? What did this mean?
As a wider conspiracy for Mary to marry the Duke of Norfolk, meaning many people at the court of Elizabeth know of the plot.
Why was it a good idea to marry Mary I to the Duke of Norfolk?
Would solve problem of what to do with Mary and children would provide heirs. (Courtiers assumed heirs would be Protestant like Norfolk). Some believed that if E named Mary as heir, this plot would mean England would have a Protestant monarch on E’s death.
Although the conspiracy was not treason, why did some of Elizabeth’s courtiers get cold feet as it developed? (3 reasons)
- The marriage of members of the nobility required queen’s consent
- E had made it clear that the succession was a matter of royal prerogative
- Norfolk was sympathetic to Catholics and close to Catholic Northumberland and Westmorland, for whom Mary, Queen of Scots would be a preferable monarch.
What role did the Spanish ambassador to Elizabeth’s court play in the plot?
passes messages from Mary, Queen of Scots to Philip II. Mary received word that Spain would provide troops to help with the rebellion.
