Elizabethan England Flashcards
What was Parliament?
Made up of the House of Lords and the House of Commons
Had influence over tax and was responsible for passing laws
The Queen could choose when to call Parliament and was free to ignore their advice
What was the Privy Council?
Responsible for the daily running of the country
The Queen appointed the most powerful land owners in the country to avoid rebellion
Led by Secretary of State
Who were the Lord Lieutenants?
Appointed by the Queen
Responsible for running particular areas of the country
Responsible for raising militias to fight for the Queen if needed
Many also served in the Privy Council
Who were the Justices of the Peace?
Several in every county
Responsible for maintaining order and enforcing the law
What was the Essex Rebellion?
1601
Earl of Essex took four Privy Councillors hostage
Robert Cecil labelled him as a traitor
Most supporters left and some panicked and released the hostages
Essex was executed
When was Hardwick hall built?
1590-1597
How did Hardwick Hall demonstrate Bess’s wealth?
Large glass windows were very expensive
Long gallery displayed fire artworks
Expensive tapestries from Türkiye
How did Hardwick Hall demonstrate Elizabethan society was safer?
Large glass windows showed off all wealth inside the building
Hall was built on low flat land rather than a tall hill - no defense
How did Hardwick Hall show advancements at the time?
Great Hall ran through centre of house from front to back
Large, open, timber-framed staircases rather than spiral stairs
Central fireplaces ran smoke through walls and out of the centre of the roof
How was the theatre set out?
Pit - Ordinary poor people stood to watch. 1 pence per ticket
Gentlemen’s Rooms - Balconies on either side with seats. Around 4 pence per ticket
The Galleries - Seated, covered areas for the rich
Lords’ Rooms - Most expensive rooms sometimes used by actors and musicians
Tiring Room - Room where actors changed
Roof over stage - Sometimes called the ‘heavens’. Used for scene changed and rigging
Who opposed the theatre?
Puritans saw it as a distraction from prayer
Concerns that large gatherings would spread disease
Some saw it as sinful
Theatres were seen as dangerous places with drunkenness, crime and immoral behaviour
What was the Throckmorton plot?
1583
Led by Sir Francis Throckmorton
Planned to assassinate Elizabeth and replace her with Mary, Queen of Scots
There would then be an uprising of English Catholics and a French invasion
The plot failed and Throckmorton was executed
What was the Babington Plot?
Led by Anthony Babington
Plan was to murder Elizabeth and replace her with Mary, Queen of Scots
Plot discovery led to the trial and execution of Mary
