Elizabethan Era Flashcards
What were problems QE was left to deal with as a monarch?
Costly foreign wars, religious conflict, debt and poverty and unemployment in the country
What were QEs strengths?
She was protestant, popular, single, had English parents
What were QEs weaknesses
Debt, she was female, religious conflict, Catholics didn’t like her as thought she was illegitimate
Who was William Cecil
He was a Privy councillor, had secretary of state twice and was lord treasurer. Served QE for over 40 years and wanted to avoid war. Not afraid to disagree with QE but was very loyal.
Who was Sir Christopher Hatton
He was captain of QEs bodyguard, he disliked William Cecil and he helped QE control MPs and pass laws
Who was Sir Francis Walsingham?
In charge of QEs secret service, caught many plots, not afraid to disagree with QE.
Who was Robert Dudley?
Earl of Leicester, childhood friend of QE, puritan, responsible for her protection. they were rumoured to be in love
How did QE control her privy councillors
She refused to be rushed into decisions, she decided when they met however she couldn’t stop them discussing things she didn’t want them to.
How did the Privy Council help QE?
Advised her on foreign issues, religious policies and when in parliament. Helped her prepare for meetings with ambassadors and crushed rebellions. All letters to her went through them.
What did the Lord Lieutenant do?
Boss of local government, one per county, had to be a wealthy landowner, was in charge of the JPs and reported back to QE
What did the Sheriff do?
The sheriff dealt with legal affairs eg collecting taxes
What did the JP do?
The JP was for law and order, there were 30-60 per county and it was unpaid but gave power and status. They oversaw maintenance and poor relief.
What did the parish constable do?
Appointed from tradesmen/farmers, they were unpaid, held the position for a year, were given duties by the JP and were helped by the night watchman
What did the night watchman do?
Carried out punishments, stopped trespassing and poaching and vagabonds
What did the overseer of the poor do?
Collected the poor rate and helped administer poor relief
