England In 1558

Question 1

Elizabeth’s background

Answer 1

Mother executed and father not around- grew up independent.
Brother EdwardVI (protestant) became King and elizabeth does well under him, then Mary (catholic) tries to convert her to catholicism but she doesn't, rebellion against mary gives her reason to arrest elizabeth for treason.Elizabeth took throne at 25 in 1558 after she dies and is coronated january 1559.

Question 2

England in 1558

Answer 2

High infant mortality, many religious issues, traitors to the monarch faced execution.

Question 3

Countryside social hierarchy

Answer 3

Nobility, Gentry, yeomen, tenant farmers, landless/labouring poor.

Question 4

Towns/cities social hierarchy

Answer 4

Merchants, professionals, craftsmen, unskilled labourers

Question 5

Nobility

Answer 5

Highest class, aristocracy, often with titles

Question 6

Gentry

Answer 6

Very wealthy land owners

Question 7

Yeomen

Answer 7

Owned small amounts of land

Question 8

Tenant farmers

Answer 8

Farmed rented land from gentry or yeomen

Question 9

Merchants

Answer 9

Wealthy traders

Question 10

Professionals

Answer 10

Lawyers doctors ect

Question 11

Craftsmen

Answer 11

Silversmiths, tailors ect, fairly wealthy

Question 12

Unskilled labourers

Answer 12

Peasants, bottom of society

Question 13

Making and passing laws

Answer 13

Parliment would introduce laws but Elizabeth could agree to or reject them. Parliment had to agree on taxes.

Question 14

Defending the country

Answer 14

Lord’s lieutenant oversaw defence but there were local militia

Question 15

Law and order

Answer 15

Justices of peace largely responsible but were overseen by privy council. They weren’t paid so they had to already be rich.

Question 16

Monarch’s power

Answer 16

Elizabeth could declare war, make peace, call and dismiss parliment, rule in some legal cases, grant land, titles, money and jobs.

Question 17

Privy council

Answer 17

Monarch’s most significant providers who debated current issues, made sure monarch’s decisions were carried out, oversaw law and order and monitered proceedings of parliment.

Question 18

Patronage

Answer 18

When a monarch or wealthy person gives someone a role, title or position. Can be used to gain support or to control people.

Question 19

Secretary of state

Answer 19

Elizabeth’s most important advisor who advised her on matters of the crown.

Question 20

Sir william cecil

Answer 20

Elizabeth’s secretary of state until 1573, was later raised to the nobility.