Topic 1 - The Elizabethan Government Flashcards
When did Elizabeth become Queen?
1558
What religion was England when Elizabeth became Queen?
Catholic
When did the Wyatt rebellion take place? What happened?
What were the consequences?
- Led by Thomas Wyatt.
Planned to overthrow Mary + replace her with Elizabeth.
Elizabeth got locked up in the Tower of London, but there’s not enough evidence she was involved. Placed under house arrest.
When and where did Elizabeth’s coronation take place?
Took place in 1559 at Westminster Abbey
Describe what Elizabeth’s education involved
She knew 5 languages including Latin and Greek. She also studied theology.
How did Elizabeth use portraits?
Elizabeth used portraits as propaganda.
She always appeared youthful even in portraits painted in the latter stages of her life.
This was to reassure the public of her status as queen and convince them of her power.
It also prevented lots of inquiries about an heir.
What were royal progresses?
Where did she stay?
Who was she joined by?
- Royal progresses were a ten week annual tour around the Home Counties.
- She visited and stayed in the hones of nobility. It was a great honour to host her.
- She was joined by her entire royal court on the royal progresses, including servants.
What were portraits and royal progresses examples of?
Ways to increase popularity. Elizabeth was one of the first monarchs to recognise the importance of public relations.
What was Patronage?
Thing such as titles and roles bestowed upon people to ensure they remain loyal.
Why did Elizabeth use patronage? What did it create?
She used patronage to ensure people remain loyal to her.
Nobles in court sought patronage from her, so worked to impress her.
This created factions
What were factions?
Give an example
How did Elizabeth use these to her advantage?
Factions were formed as a result of rivals working to impress the queen and seeking patronage.
An example is Cecil vs Dudley - each man sought to be her closest confidant.
Elizabeth could play one faction against another and maintain her control.
What was the privy council?
What were they in charge of?
Why did Elizabeth have to trust them?
The privy council was a body of advisors appointed by the queen.
They were in charge of the day to day running of the country + met 3 - 4 times per week to discuss matters.
Elizabeth seldom joined them, so had to appoint individuals she trusted.
Name the 6 key men that were appointed to the privy council during her reign.
William Cecil, Robert Dudley, Francis Walsingham, Christopher Hatton, Robert Devereux, Robert Cecil
Name two urgent situations that the privy council had to meet to discuss.
- In 1562, Elizabeth caught smallpox. Privy council had to meet to discuss succession.
- In 1568, Mary Queen of Scots fled Scotland and crossed the border. The privy councillors had to agree on a decision.
What was the job of the local government?
To help maintain law and order on a local level across the counties.
Job of the Lord Lieutenant. Who was likely to hold the post? How many per county?
- The lord lieutenant was chief of the local officials. They supervised the JPs
- He was a wealthy landowner and often a privy councillor.
- only one per county
Name 3 jobs of JPs
- Their jobs included administering poor relief to the unemployed
- Oversaw the maintenance of highways
- Became justices in courts for minor crimes.
How many JPs per county?
30 - 60 depending on the size.
What were the rewards of the JPs? Who often held the post?
- JPs didn’t get paid, but did receive status and respect.
- The JPs were wealthy country gentlemen
Name 3 jobs of the sheriff.
How many were there per county?
- Sheriffs were responsible setting up apprenticeships for young boys.
- Fixed prices and wages.
- Looked after the poor.
- Only one Sheriff per county
Name 3 jobs of the parish constable? (PC)
Responsible for:
- Watching vagabonds
- keeping order in taverns
- Preventing trespassers.
What was the job of the night watchman?
- patrolled the town at night
What was the job of the Overseer of the poor? Who was he appointed by?
The overseer of the poor was appointed by the JPs.
- He collected tax and distributed it to those who needed it.
Was the job of the PC paid? Who often held the post? For how long?
- No, the job was unpaid.
- A tradesman or local farmer.
- For 1 year.
