Elizabeth I Flashcards
Who were the key influences of Elizabeth’s religious policy?
Cecil
Archbishop Parker
Archbishop Grindal
ARCHBISHOP WHITGIFT
Legislation: What actually was the Act of Uniformity and Act of Supremacy?
Revived the legislation which Mary had repealed, cancelled Papal supremacy and the Heresy Laws which had led to Marian burnings, imposed an oath on all clergy to enforce the new prayer book and set down that church ornamentation and clergy’s dress should be as stated in the more moderate 1549 prayer book..
Legislation: How did the 1559 Act of Uniformity and Act of Supremacy become legislation?
Initially these bills take the form of three separate pieces of legislation- one to re-establish the monarch as the head of the church, the other two to establish a Protestant form of Worship- probably based on Northumberland’s prayer book- they were eventually combined into one which is passed by the Commons but rejected by the Lords.
The Lords rejection was unexpected and stunned Elizabeth and the Council. Elizabeth reacts by arresting two Bishops and then reconvenes Parliament and reintroduces the bill with the amendment of the title to ‘supreme governor’ which is passed by 21 votes to 18 - a very narrow margin.
Legislation: What does the new book of Common Prayer in 1559 deliberately omit?
Black Rubric of 1552 which denied the presence of Christ in Communion which was an obvious attempt to make the religious settlement acceptable to a broad range of people.
Legislation: What are the 1563/71 Thirty Nine Articles?
Made statute one year after excommunication. Following the injunctions which aimed to help people understand the new religious settlement- it became clear that new legislation was needed as many Bishops still felt disappointed that traces of Catholicism had not been removed- in addition the changing situation with MQS, Spain and Catholic influence from abroad led to a changing opinions on Catholicism. The 39 Articles aimed to present a united, Protestant front against the Catholics.
Legislation: What were the 1571 Three Acts?
Stated that it is treasonable to declare that Elizabeth was not Queen, it is treasonable to introduce or publish any Papal Bull, all those who have fled abroad and who fail to return within 12 months forfeit their property. This fits with the anti-Catholic tone to the legislation of the 1570’s.
More about authority than religion.
Legislation: In 1581, what were the two acts passed against Catholics?
Recusancy fines were increased to £20
Attempts to convert people to Catholicism is now treasonable.
Legislation: In 1593, what legislation did the House of Commons pass?
Making large gatherings of Catholics illegal and confining Catholics to a radius of 5 miles from their homes to stop recusants avoiding fines.
Obstacles: Upon her accession?
Ardent Catholics in Parliament - espiecially Lord which contained a large number of Bishops
Majority of the population were still conservative in their beliefs.
issues regarding a woman taking the ‘Supreme Head of the Church’ title.
The clergy- especially the Bishops were solidly Catholic.
International nature of Catholicism meant that there was the potential for interference from overseas.
Protestant exiles- had fled during Mary’s reign to places like Geneva where they had strengthened their Protestant views - some expected to be given roles in the Church and Parliament when they returned and would not compromise with the Catholics.
Obstacles: Once the Settlement had been established?
The confusion of the 1550’s had led to a real shortage of qualified clergy.
The appointment of Arch-bishop Parker in 1559 was unpopular as he was a moderate and he wanted to limit the influence of Puritans- this led to Elizabeth clashing with the Puritans repeatedly because they weren’t represented in her settlement.
The settlement itself caused confusion and uncertainty on both sides of the religious divide as it did not satisfy either Catholics or Protestants.
1560- Crucifix Controversy- Saw a backlash against crucifixes and candles being restored in chapels- Elizabeth had to back down as two of her most prominent Bishops threated to quit over the issue.
1560- Vestment Issue- Caused by the dislike of Catholic looking vestments- led to Archbishop Parker publishing the Advertisements which laid down strict rules on clerical dress.
