Government and Faction - Mary Flashcards
What dilemma faced Mary?
The dilemma of using men who had the experience but had excluded her, supporting Protestant reformation or of using those who had supported her and Catholicism but had very little experience within government
Which experienced figures would she use on her council?
Paget and Gardiner
What issues were caused by the large size of Mary’s privy council?
Some have argued it was too large to work effectively
What made the council more efficient?
- Establishing committee without casual councillors in 1554
- Creation of the Inner council in 1555
- Phillips departure and Gardiner’s death in 1555, allowed Paget to lead a more united government
Which faction supported Edward Courtenay, Earl of Devon?
Gardiner
Why did Gardiner support Edward Courtenay, Earl of Devon? (2)
- Descended from English blood
- Would have strengthened the Tudor Dynasty
Which faction supported Phillip II of Spain?
Paget
Why did Mary want to marry Phillip II of Spain? (2)
- Catholic
- From the Habsburgs, a powerful European family
What fears came from Mary’s marry to Phillip?
England being drawn into wars that weren’t in her best interest
What happened in January 1554?
Mary would receive approval for her marriage by the Privy Council, despite a petition from the House of Commons
What would break out after the marriage
A rebellion
Which three key figures were part of Wyatt’s rebellion? Why?
- Sir James Croft, Sir Peter Carew and Sir Thomas Wyatt
- Fearing they’d lose influence in court to Spaniards
What was the plan for Wyatts rebellion?
Four-pronged attack based in Kent, Wales, Leicestershire and Devon
What actually happened in Wyatts rebellion?
Only the rebellion in Kent would ever break out
Was popular unrest widepsread or limited?
Limited
How did people critique Mary’s government?
Too large and faction-ridden for government to function effectively
What supports the view that it was too large?
The lack of formal council discussion about her decision to marry Phillip of Spain
What supports the view that it wasn’t too large?
The fact that routine administration was effective
Who were the Kennignhall faction?
A faction within the council who had helped her gain the throne and were rewarded with the lucrative position
Who is present on Marys council?
- Some councillors who’d served under Edward
- Gardiner
- Kennignhall faction
Why does mary allow some councillors who’d served under Edward to remain on her council?
As they were willing to show her loyalty such as Paget
Why was the issue of the kennighal faction as such a large group avoided?
As it was rare for all of the members to attend
What suggests the council infact wasn’t too large?
Average size for a council meeting was what it had been during Northumberlands rule
Provide an example of factions impacting policies (between Gardiner and Paget)?
During Gardiner’s attempt to revive the Heresy laws in 1554 they were blocked when Paget urged key figures in the council to reject the policy
