Elizabethan England

• What is often referred to as England's 'Golden Age'?

  Elizabethan England
• Who was the monarch of England from 1509 to 1547?


  Henry VIII
• Who reigned after Henry VIII?


  Edward VI
• What years did Mary I reign?


  1553-1558
• What is the purpose of discussing dangerous periods for Elizabeth?


  To explain the specific threats she faced
• What was the fate of Margaret Ward?


  She was hanged on 30 August 1588
• What was Margaret Ward known for?


  Helping Catholic priests escape persecution
• What was the religious context in England before Elizabeth's reign?


  England was a Catholic country under the Pope
• What major change did Henry VIII make regarding religion?


  Declared himself Head of the Church of England
• What were the three main religious groups during Elizabeth's reign?


  • Catholics: Wanted the Pope as Head of the Church
  • Protestants: Preferred the monarch as Head of the Church
  • Puritans: Sought to simplify the Church and eliminate ceremonies
• What was a significant challenge Elizabeth faced regarding religion?


  Managing the religious divisions in her country
• Why was it important for Elizabeth to make the right religious decisions?


  To ensure peace in a divided country
• What was the role of bishops in the Church of England according to Protestants?


  Bishops and archbishops assisted the monarch
• What did Puritans want to change about the Church?


  They wanted to eliminate stained glass and ceremonies
• What were the consequences of the religious divisions in England in 1558?


  • Potential for civil war
  • Need for careful handling of religious issues
  • Ongoing religious conflict from previous reigns
• What was the significance of the 'Last Judgement' painting in medieval churches?


  It depicted the consequences of not following the right religion
• How did people view the consequences of their religious beliefs in the sixteenth century?

  They believed they would be judged by God and face eternal punishment
• What was the impact of Elizabeth's decisions on the religious landscape of England?

  Her decisions shaped the future of religious practice and conflict
• What was the main consequence of Henry VIII declaring himself Head of the Church?


  It caused massive changes in the way religion was practiced.
• What were the four key issues Elizabeth needed to decide regarding her Church?


  1. The Head of the Church and the bishops
  2. Decoration and music
  3. The clergy
  4. The Bible and Church services
• What did Catholics want regarding the Head of the Church?


  They wanted to keep the Pope in Rome as Head of the Church.
• How did Protestants view the Head of the Church?


  They preferred the King or Queen as Head of the Church.
• What was the Puritan belief regarding Church leadership?


  They did not believe in a Head of Church or bishops.
• What did Catholics believe about the decoration of their churches?


  Catholics believed in richly displaying precious materials and statues.
• How did Protestants prefer their churches to be decorated?


  Protestants preferred a simpler, plainer Church.
• What was the situation of the clergy at the end of Mary I's reign?


  All the clergy were Catholic.
• What option did Elizabeth provide to Catholic priests?

  Catholic priests could continue their service if they became Protestants.
• What language were Church services in at the end of Mary I's reign?


  Church services were in Latin.
• What choice did Elizabeth have regarding the language of Church services?


  She could continue services in Latin or change them to English.
• What was the impact of changing the language of Church services?

  More people would understand and be involved in Church life.
• What role did the Church of England play in society during Elizabethan England?


  • It was a powerful institution influencing daily life.
  • Helped people understand the world.
  • Supported communities during hardships.
  • Provided a sense of identity and belonging.
• How did Elizabeth's approach to religious tolerance differ from Mary's?

  Elizabeth dealt with Catholics and Puritans peacefully, unlike Mary.
• What was the population of Elizabethan England around 1558?


  About 3 million.
• Describe the structure of society in Elizabethan England.


  • Hierarchical pyramid structure.
  • Wealthiest at the top, manual laborers at the bottom.
  • New rich emerging in London.
  • Clear divisions between classes.
• What was Elizabeth's government system like?


  It was a sophisticated system for governing England.
• What was the monarch's role in Elizabethan government?


  The monarch made decisions but needed support from the people.
• Who were the nobility in Elizabethan England?

  The wealthiest landowners holding power and privilege.
• What was the role of the gentry in Elizabethan society?

  The gentry were wealthy landowners and served the monarchy.
• How many members were in the gentry class?

  About 15,000 members.
• What were the different social classes in Elizabethan England?

  • Wealthy merchants
  • Yeoman farmers
  • Tenant farmers
  • Cottagers, laborers, servants, the poor