Political Power in Elizabethan England

• Political power in Elizabethan England


  Elizabeth's court was the heart of social and political life - everyone who was anyone could be found there.
• What was the centre of Elizabethan social life?

  The court
• Who comprised the royal court during Elizabeth's reign?

  More than 1000 people including servants, Privy Council members, nobility, ambassadors, and favourites
• Who was Elizabeth's close companion early in her reign?

  Robert Dudley
• What title did Elizabeth grant Robert Dudley in 1564?

  Earl of Leicester
• What position did Elizabeth grant Christopher Hatton in 1587?

  Lord Chancellor
• When did Sir Walter Raleigh come to Elizabeth's court?

  1581
• What significant gift did Elizabeth give to Sir Walter Raleigh?

  The right to colonise the Americas
• What were courtiers expected to do at the court?

  Flatter Elizabeth, shower her with gifts, and pretend to be in love with her
• What were some common courtly pastimes during Elizabeth's reign?

  • Plays
  • Concerts
  • Hunting
  • Jousting
  • Tennis
  • Balls
  • Grand meals
• What did members of the court do when Elizabeth moved between her palaces?

  They traveled with her and participated in great processions
• How did Elizabeth use entertainments and fashionable clothes at court?

  • To impress her subjects
  • To impress foreign visitors
  • To display her wealth and power
• What did political power rely on during Elizabeth's reign?

  Access to the Queen
• Why was the Queen considered the center of government?

  Because political power revolved around her
• Who had the greatest influence and power in Elizabeth's court?

  Those closest to Elizabeth
• What was the court's role in political life during Elizabeth's reign?

  The court was the center of political life
• How could individuals increase their political power during Elizabeth's reign?

  By having a place at court
• Did courtiers necessarily hold government positions?

  No, they became powerful through relationships with the Queen
• What did courtiers have to do to gain influence at court?

  Compete for the Queen's attention and favour
• What was the result of the competition among courtiers towards the end of Elizabeth's reign?

  It led to growing conflict at court
• What was the purpose of patronage in Elizabethan England?

  To ensure loyalty among the elite
• How did patronage provide a source of income for men in Elizabethan England?

  By handing out titles and offices
• What types of positions did Elizabeth have to give away through patronage?

  High positions in the Church
• Where was patronage distributed in Elizabethan England?

  At court
• Why did those who received patronage likely remain loyal to Elizabeth?

  They became dependent on her for income and status
• How did Elizabeth's use of patronage affect the traditional noble families?

  It limited their power and promoted a new elite
• What was the effect of distributing patronage widely among the elite?

  It helped to ensure political stability
• Why were members of the elite unlikely to rebel against Elizabeth?

  They felt they had a chance to be rewarded by the Queen