The Elizabethan Court

Question 1

What was it?

Answer 1

Large group of people who surrounded the monarch at all times
More than 1000 people attended (Elizabeth’s personal servants, Privy Council, members of nobility, ambassadors, foreign visitors, Elizabeth’s ‘favourites’)
Centre of political life

Question 2

Pastimes

Answer 2

Plays, concerts, hunting, jousting, tennis, balls, grand meals

Question 3

Travel

Answer 3

Members of court travelled with Elizabeth between palaces
Great processions
Went with her on progresses

Question 4

Progresses

Answer 4

Travelled around country visiting houses of wealthy noblemen

Question 5

Political power

Answer 5

Queen at centre of government, those closest had most influence and power
People became powerful through relationships with the Queen

Question 6

Patronage

Answer 6

Elizabeth handed out titles, offices or monopolies to give men income
Distributed at court
Ensured loyalty
Less likely to rebel -ensure political stability
Way for Elizabeth to reward courtiers without spending royal revenues (she had limited income)