Coronation of Elizabeth I Flashcards
How old was Elizabeth when she acceded to the throne?
25 years old
What qualities did Elizabeth possess that distinguished her from previous monarchs?
Better educated, better understanding of politics, shrewd judge of character
Which significant political relationship influenced Elizabeth’s early reign?
Relationship with Catherine Parr
What hardships did Elizabeth learn from before her accession?
Relationship with Thomas Seymour, Wyatt Rebellion
What were some challenges faced by Elizabeth at the time of her accession?
Bad harvests, food shortages, flu epidemic, loss of Calais, delicate political situation, imminent changes to religion
What significant investment did Elizabeth make early in her reign?
Investment in Navy
What improvements did Elizabeth make to governance?
Improved financial administration
Who announced Elizabeth’s succession to Parliament?
Nicholas Heath (Lord Chancellor & Archbishop of York)
What legal issue arose with the announcement of Elizabeth’s succession?
No legal right to proclaim that, as monarch’s death brings about parliament’s dissolution
What action did 9 of Mary’s councillors take following Elizabeth’s succession?
Rode to Hadfield to proclaim loyalty to Elizabeth
Who was appointed as Elizabeth’s Principal Secretary?
William Cecil
What was significant about Elizabeth residing in the Tower before her coronation?
It was a tradition dating back centuries
When was Elizabeth’s coronation?
15th January, 1559
What was the significance of the absence of pageants under Mary?
It indicated a distance from her reign
What was the nature of the marriage alliance attempted between Elizabeth and Philip?
Count of Feria, Spanish ambassador, tried to arrange it, but it came to nothing
What did Elizabeth’s coronation ceremony suggest about her authority?
A hurried coronation was reminiscent of Henry VII, helping his authority
What was the collective approval from Parliament regarding Elizabeth’s ascension indicative of?
No attempt by devout political Catholics to deny her ascension
What international confirmation was significant for Elizabeth’s succession?
International confirmation from potentially the most powerful country in the world
What strategy did Elizabeth employ regarding her former sister Mary’s councillors?
Kept them guessing her intentions to encourage efforts to stay in royal favour
