Topic 1 Flashcards
What was Henry VIII’s religion, relationship with Elizabeth and problems during his reign?
Religion- Catholic (declared himself Head of the English Church)- apparently became more Catholic as he aged
Relationship- He was disappointed Elizabeth was a girl, removed her from the court, rarely saw her, declared her illegitimate
Problems- The Reformation led to conflict between Catholics and Protestants, increasing levels of poverty and unemployment, fought expensive wars between Scotland and France
What was Edward VI’s relation to Elizabeth, religion, relationship with Elizabeth and problems during his reign?
Relation- her half brother
Religion- Protestant
Relationship with brother- 6 year right, they were raised together, both were Protestant
Problems- Made the country more Protestant- Edward was too young so all his advisors made his decisions
What was Mary I’s relation to Elizabeth, religion, relationship with Elizabeth and problems during her reign?
Relation- her half sister
Religion- Catholic
Relationship with Elizabeth- Devote Catholic, made England Catholic once again, Mary was unpopular and she burned a lot of Protestants
Problems- Expensive war with France, deepened divide between Catholics and Protestants, trouble with Scotland, raised taxes, problems with trade
What were the problems Elizabeth faced when she became Queen?
Big debts from France and Scotland
FEMALE- made her unpopular and largely disagreed with
She was marked as an illegitimate Queen
Threats from Catholics
Religious conflict (the biggest issue- people WILL plot against her)
What was Elizabeth’s coronation about?
She had the coronation to solidify her power as a monarch and to show her legitimacy through her crowning. At her coronation, rich and powerful people (e.g. nobles, dukes and foreign leaders) were there to show how she is the monarch and the ruler of the country
When was Elizabeth’s coronation?
1st January 1559
How did Elizabeth maintain popularity through appearances and portraits?
Her portraits showed an ageless, strong, wise, selfless and powerful queen
When Elizabeth caught smallpox, her face was scarred. By the 1590s, she had thinning hair and black teeth- her portraits didn’t show this
Most people only knew what the Queen ‘looked’ like through the portraits- even if they didn’t show what she actually looked like
Artists had to get permission to paint the Queen- if they didn’t do it well and offended the Queen, the portraits would be burnt
What did Elizabeth look like when she went out? (E.g. her clothing and appearance)
She always dressed lavishly, and took great pride in what she wore. They were often covered in fine jewels and she realised the importance of projecting an image of majesty and power
How did the Queen maintain popularity through her royal progresses?
Very few people could actually see the Queen, so she went on regular tours around the country- these were called Royal Progresses and usually took place during the summer months
Elizabeth and her court stayed (for free) in houses owned by nobles and the wealthy gentry- they were expected to hold great feasts and put on entertainment
Royal Progresses meant Elizabeth was seen by her subjects and could also help keep an eye on the powerful noble families
Seen as a great privilege to host Elizabeth and her court during a Royal Progress, but it was very costly
How did Elizabeth maintain popularity through publications?
There were only 60 printing presses, so the Privy Council could censor any books or pamphlets they disapproved of. In 1597, London’s theatres were shut down when a play seemed to criticise the Queen
The Privy Council published their own books to defend the decisions that were made. They also encouraged others to publish books and plays that showed Elizabeth in a good light, or made fun of enemies (e.g. the King of Spain)
What were Elizabeth’s personal qualities/ beliefs?
Elizabeth was keen to avoid religious divides, such as her half siblings (Edward and Mary)
Elizabeth had a good education, and when she was coronated, she could speak Greek, Latin, French and Italian. She was well read, particularly in the arts and literature
She also inherited the quick temperature of her father and an unwillingness to spend money from her grandfather
What were some symbols on Elizabeth’s ‘Pelican’ Portrait and what did they mean? (BONUS- WHEN WAS IT PAINTED AND HOW OLD WAS SHE?)
Tudor Rose- emblem of the Tudor family, showing her regal status and her right to the throne- shows she was England’s rightful ruler
Gloves- a sign of elegance. Elizabeth loved to show off her hands, which were white and long
Pearls- a sign of purity
Pelican Brooch- according to legend, a pelican would peck at its own breast so it can feed its young- shows she would protect the people
BONUS- PAINTED IN 1574 AND SHE WAS 41 YEARS OLD
What were some of the symbols on Elizabeth’s ‘Armada’ Portrait and what did they mean? (BONUS- WHEN WAS IT PAINTED AND HOW OLD WAS SHE?)
English ships- the sun was shining down on it so they’re stronger and blessed by God
Gold- wealth
Spanish ships- covered in storm, so they’re weaker
Clothes and jewels- reflect power. White dresses and pearls represent chastity
Globe- show how powerful she was. Her hands are resting on where Spain got all their gold from, as if mocking them
(BONUS- IT WAS MADE IN 1588, AND SHE WAS 55 YEARS OLD)
What were the symbols on Elizabeth’s ‘Rainbow’ Portrait, and what did they mean? (BONUS- WHEN WAS IT MADE AND HOW OLD WAS SHE?)
Faded rainbow- she created the rainbow, so she’s the Sun. It’s also a symbol of peace
Eyes and ears on the dress- shows how powerful she was. Also shows how all seeing and all hearing she is
‘Wings’- very thin fabric. This makes her look impressive and angelic
Snake- wisdom
Heart- love (The snake and the heart shows how she rules with a head and a heart)
Ignore this :)
Ignore this :)
How many people were in the Privy Council what gender were they?
There were 19 people in the Privy Council. They’re all men
What was the Privy Council and what were their 3 functions?
They were the most important group of advisors to the Queen
Their three functions are- advise the queen on policy, watch over the day to day governing of the realm, consider petitions (complains or change) from private individuals
How often did they meet, who are the four individuals we need to know and what are their titles?
They met 2-3 times a week (more in times of crisis). The Queen never attended the meetings and they met in the royal court.
William Cecil- Lord Burghley
Sir Christopher Hatton
Sir Francis Walsingham
Robert Dudley- Earl of Leicester
What was William Cecil’s; religion, background, position, rivalries/allies?
Religion- moderate Protestant
Background- Privy Councillor during Edward VI’s reign. He was appointed by Princess Elizabeth to look after her affairs during Mary’s reign
Position- Appointed in 1558. Lord Burghley, and served Elizabeth for 40 years
Rivalries/ alliances- Rivals with Robert Dudley
What was Sir Christopher Hatton’s; religion, background, position, rivalries/alliances?
Religion- moderate Protestant
Background- Entered the court in 1561
Position- Responsible for organising the queen’s royal progresses. 1587- given the post of Lord Chancellor until his death in 1591
Rivalries/ Alliances- none known
What was Sir Francis Walsingham’s; religion, background, position, rivalries/ alliances?
Religion- Devout Puritan (witnessed a Protestant massacre by Catholics when he was an ambassador in France, thus he became a Devout Puritan)
Background- 1568- he began working for the Government, 1570- he was appointed ambassador to Paris, 1573- Secretary of State with special responsibility of foreign affairs
Position- Knighted in 1577, in charge of Elizabeth’s secret service. 1586- uncovered the plots that led to Mary, Queen of Scot’s execution
Rivalries/ Alliances- none known
What was Robert Dudley’s; religion, background, positions, rivalries/ alliances?
Religion- Puritan
Background- Close childhood friend of Elizabeth. 1558- entered the new queen’s royal court
Positions- 1564- Earl of Leicester, 1585- Commander of the army
Rivalries/ Alliances- Didn’t get along with Cecil
How many times did Parliament meet and what were the reasons for it?
13 times in 45 years (no meeting for 26 years)
Most common reason was to grant taxes- other times were to pass an Act of Parliament or to get support of advice from her MPs on important issues
What could Parliament not speak about?
Religion, lack of an heir and her marriage
What were the arguments that Parliament did have power?
Elizabeth needed them to control taxes
They had freedom of speech (even if it’s limited)
What are the arguments that Elizabeth controlled Parliament?
They only met 13 times at the ‘request’ of Parliament
Not allowed to talk about Religion, Marriage or Heir
Royal Proclamation- Elizabeth could pass laws without the need for Parliamentary consent
Lords in the House of Lords felt sidelined
Elizabeth could shut down Parliament whenever she wanted
Why were local governments needed?
Travel and communication were slow, and because Elizabeth didn’t travel far from London, she had a trusted body of (unpaid) officials to ensure her rule was respected and law and order was maintained
What was the heirachy of the local government?
The Lord Lieutenant
The Sheriff
Justices of the Peace (JPs)
Lesser Officers;
Parish Constables and Night Watchman
Overseer of the Poor
What did the Lord Lieutenant do?
The ‘boss’ of the Local Government
Normally held by a wealthy landowner
Title held considerately prestige
Often a Privy Councillor
ONE PER COUNTY
Kept the Queen informed about what was happening in their area
In charge of local militia (part time forces in each county used in times of emergency)
Supervised the work of the JPs
Reported on local events to the Privy Council
What did the Sheriff do?
Chiefly concerned with legal affairs
More than one in each county
Appointing and swearing in juries
Delivering prisoners to court
Help with the collection of the taxes
They declined in importance- their responsibilities was passed on to others (e.g. JPs and Lord Lieutenants)
What were the roles of the Justices of the Peace (JPs)?
30-60 PER COUNTY
Completing the legal documents to set up apprenticeships for young boys to enter a trade
Organising the Parish Constable
Fixing prices and wages
Looking after the poor and giving out licenses to beggars
Sitting as justices in quarter session courts
What were the roles of Parish Constable and Night Watchman and what were their duties?
(They’re the same roles, just at different times)
Supervised by the JPs
Hold the unpaid post for a year and were given a range of duties
The duties included; prevent trespassing and poaching, impound stray cattle and sheep, keep peace and arrest law breakers, keep order in taverns and inns, watch out for vagabonds and carry out punishments, such as whipping
What was the role of the Overseer of the Poor?
Organise and collect a local tax (called poor rate) from everyone in the parish
Distribute this money for those most in need for support and charity
Job increased as the rate of unemployment increased during Elizabeth’s reign
