(Part 1: Elizabeth’s Court And Parliament) Elizabeth 1 And Her Court

Question 1

Describe the background and character of Elizabeth 1

Answer 1

• Her mother was Anne Boleyn and was executed for treason by the orders of Elizabeth’s father, King Henry VIII
• Elizabeths elder sister, Mary l of England, saw her as a potential threat to her own rule
• She was the middle of Henry Vll’s three children
• She was educated, and brought up in a royal household; learning the danger of parliament
• She was 25 when she became Queen
• Though she could not do as she pleased
• Her government had a clear structure of advisors and other powerful figures
• Most of the power was held by a few key trusted undividuals in her court - many of these were privy councillors

Question 2

What was patronage

Answer 2

1. Patronage was an important way of ensuring loyalty from courtiers.
2. Elizabeth could award titles, land, monopolies and other powerful positions and money-making opportunities in exchange for obedience and support.

Question 3

Talk about court life

Answer 3

• The royal court and the government were not the same thing.
• The court was made up of all the officials, servants and advisors that surrounded Elizabeth. The court was the centre of power, but also the source of the latest trends and fashions. It included the Privy Council, but Justices of the Peace and Parliament were not part of it.
• The government was made up of the queen and her closest advisors, usually privy councillors, but always men whom she trusted.

Question 4

Who were the Lord Lieutenants?

Answer 4

• Appointed by the queen.
• Responsible for running a particular area of the country.
• Responsible for raising a militia to fight for the queen if needed.
• Many also served on the Privy Council.

Question 5

Who was Parliament?

Answer 5

• 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.

Question 6

Who were the Justices of the Peace?

Answer 6

• Several in every county.
• Responsible for maintaining order and enforcing the law.

Question 7

Who were the Privy Council?

Answer 7

• Responsible for the day-to-day running of the country, dealing with all policy areas.
• Although the queen could technically appoint whoever she wished, in reality she had to appoint the most powerful landowners in the country, in order to prevent rebellion.
• If the council was united, it was almost impossible for Elizabeth to go against their wishes. However, unity was very rare in a group filled with ambitious rivals.
• Led by the Secretary of State.
• William Cecil and Francis Walsingham were two significant and powerful figures who each served as Secretary of State. Both had a huge influence on Elizabeth.