Unit 1.3 - Challenge to the Religious Settlement Flashcards
Area of concern: Head of the Church
Elizabeth became the Head of the Church, but titled herself Supreme Governor. All judges, MPs and clergymen had to take an oath accepting Elizabeth as such, and if they refused they’d be imprisoned or even executed if they persisted.
This was largely accepted as Catholics accepted the title separately to viewing the Pope as the Head of the Church.
Area of concern: Churches decoration and music
The singing of hymns continued and Churches were decorated and ornamental.
The appearance of the Churches were very important to people. By making no changes, and allowing it up to the groups, Elizabeth was winning them over and negotiating peacefully, although Puritan bishops were not all happy.
Area of concern: The Bible and church services
The Bible and services had to be in English, as well as the Bible.
A new Common Book of Prayer had to be used in every Church that was predominantly Protestant.
Bread and Wine were still offered however the reasoning behind it was subject to the interpreter, and much of the bible also remained vague and up to interpretation.
The omission of Latin Mass was unacceptable to Catholics - many continued going to the New Church but took Mass secretly later.
Elizabeth was aware of this but did nothing, since they appeared to be at peace and loyal.
Area of concern: The clergy
All clergy had to take an oath, recognising Elizabeth’s title and agreeing to use the new Prayer Book.
The clergy had to wear a surplice, rather than the plain black gowns the Puritans preferred, but they were allowed to marry.
Most agreed and took the oath of loyalty to the New Church. This meant that post people would go to their usual Church on a Sunday and hear services conducted by the same member of the clergy as before.
How did Elizabeth win support for the New Church?
- described herself as the restorer and saviour of the true religion, Protestantism - looked great after the years of chaos under Henry and Mary.
- Recusants (those who refused to attend the church) were fined.
- Encouraged the manufacture of medallions and engravings with her image of them, becoming a symbol of Protestantism, and were inexpensive.
- Added her Accession Day to the Church calendar - day of feasting and celebrating.
- Every Sunday, the people would pray for the Queen’s safety and thank for the blessing of her reign.
Puritan attitudes to the religious settlement
- did not believe in a Head of Church
- religious should be plain and black
- presence of Jesus was spiritual not physical
- plain churches: white washed walls and no ornamental glass windows and statues
- wanted the church to be run by committees elected by the church goers
Controversy - the Crucifix
To Elizabethan Puritans, crucifixes represented idols.
What did Elizabeth do to solve the crucifix controversy?
Although Elizabeth liked crucifixes since they kept the familiar and traditional feel of churches, as well as keep the Catholics happy, when puritan clergy threatened to back down she gave in - there was not enough protestant clergymen. She insisted on keeping a crucifix in her royal chapel though.
Controversy - Vestements
Some puritans believed that priests vestments should be very plain vs. catholics believed that priests should wear special vestments in order to set them apart from ordinary people.
How did Elizabeth solve the controversy about vestments?
Elizabeth wanted the clergy at the time to wear special vestments as set out in the Royal Injunctions.
Unlike the crucifix controversy, the majority of Priests consented to Elizabeth’s insistence that special vestments must be worn - despite opposition.
When was the Revolt of the Northern Earls?
1569
Who were the northern earls?
Nobility who remained Catholic, and had been prosperous under Mary I - the early of Westmorland and Northumberland
Why did the northern earls revolt?
When Elizabeth I became queen, they found that their influence and power in court had been reduced - they detested some of Elizabeth’s favourites who were protestant, i.e. Robert Dudley and William Cecil
What did the northern earls do?
Led a rebellion in the north against Elizabeth - they captured Durham cathedral and celebrated a full Catholic mass.
Even though their reasons for revolting were manly political, many northerners were brought to their cause since they were unhappy with the religious settlement.
- Marched south
Were the northern earls successful?
No - the rebels were forced to retreat.
the rebellion was successfully put down by royal troops under the leader ship of the earl of sussex - hundreds of rebels were executed in towns in the north publicly in order to display the power of the Crown and to mark a shift in Elizabeth’s relationship with her Catholic subjects.
Did Elizabeth consider this as a serious threat?
Although the revolt was unsuccessful, Elizabeth’s reaction to it shows how dangerous she viewed it.
Catholic challenge: the pope issued an instruction that…
Catholics should not attend Church of England services. She was also excommunicated in 1570.
When was Elizabeth excommunicated.
1570
The Netherlands had been controlled by…
Spain
Context: before the Dutch revolt
The Netherlands had been a largely protestant country, and Philip II was a strict Catholic who wanted to enforce Catholicism and stamp out Protestantism.
He sent the Duke of Alba to crush opposition and launched the Inquisition.
Heavy taxation to fund Spain’s wars, including against England and France.
The Dutch economy was suffering, and many blamed Spanish rule.
In 1566, the Dutch…
rebelled against the Spanish occupation - vandalised catholic churches and images.
How did Spain respond to the Dutch revolt?
- Duke of Alba sent and set up Council of Troubles to enforce Catholicism and obedience to the Spanish crown.
- made of loyal Dutch nobles and Spanish officials
What did the Council of Troubles do?
It ignored the law, and put many 1000s of Dutch Protestants to death.
Why was Elizabeth concerned about Albas presence in the Netherlands because…
- Alba’s large army, with its mission against Protestantism, was within easy striking distance of England. This worried William Cecil.
- Elizabeth did not want to become seen as Europe’s leading Protestant monarch as it put them in a dangerous position - openly condemned Dutch rebels so that she could appear peaceful towards Spain.
