Elizabeth I's consolidation of power (17) Flashcards
How was accession carried out?
Queen Mary died in the early hours of 17th November 1558, within a few hours, Sir William Cecil had ridden the 16 miles north to Hatfield to tell the Princess Elizabeth that the long-awaited accession had arrived.
What was the succession like?
It was difficult:
1) England has suffered a series if bad harvests, hence food was aware and expensive.
2) The country suffered from a flu epidemic.
3) The political and religious situations were delicate.
4) England had fought a disastrous war against France which resulted in the loss of Calais.
Name a feature of Elizabeth’s consolidation of power in terms of loyalty.
Her path was eased by the acceptance of her succession by Mary’s key councillors. On the morning of 17th November Nicholas Heath, Mary’s Lord Chancellor and Archbishop of York, announced Mary’s death to Parliament and proclaimed Elizabeth’s succession. This was significant because it showed that the political elite of the nation collectively assented to Elizabeth’s accession. 9 of Mar’s councillors rode too Hatfield to assure Elizabeth of their loyalty.
Name a key feature of Elizabeth’s consolidation of power in terms of William Cecil.
William Cecil was appointed principal secretary. Their political partnership would last for almost 40 years. Elizabeth also made some household appointments. At this stage she did not announce any further appointments. It certainly made political sense for her to keep Mary’s councillors guessing about her intentions snd speculating about their chances of retaining some measure of royal favour.
Name a feature of Elizabeth’s consolidation of power in terms of customs.
Elizabeth showed herself familiar with customs associated with monarchs who had newly acceded to the throne by taking herself to her new subjects and to benefit from pageants which were organised on her behalf by the City of London.
Name a feature of Elizabeth’s consolidation of power in terms of pace.
Elizabeth also proceeded quickly (within two months) to her coronation. On the bassist’s of astrological advice, the chosen date was 15th January.
Name a feature of Elizabeth’s consolidation of power in terms of international confirmation.
Elizabeth gained some measure of international confirmation. The Spanish ambassador. the Court of Feria, had already visited Elizabeth several days before Mary’s death band after her accession tried to broker a marriage alliance between Elizabeth and Philip II. Nothing came of that, but it did demonstrate that Philip was unwilling to do anything to disrupt the smoothness of Elizabeth’s succession.
