Elizabeth’s Privy Council (Elizabeth’s Key Ministers)

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Created by
Sumaya Farah

Cards (10)

  • Individuals:
    William Cecil (made a privy councillor in 1558)
    > All of the Queen’s correspondence passed through Cecil: he was Elizabeth’s voice in speeches to Parliament and royal proclamations.
  • Individuals:
    William Cecil (made a privy councillor in 1558)
    > He also questioned the Queen. Elizabeth respected him for speaking his mind, but knew that he would carry out her wishes even if he personally disagreed. For example, he pushed Elizabeth to name a successor and even went as far as to ignore a direct royal commandment to leave off the topic.
  • Individuals:
    Robert Dudley (made a privy councillor in 1562)
    > He was made Master of the Horse, making him responsible for Elizabeth’s safety.
  • Individuals:
    Robert Dudley (made a privy councillor in 1562)
    > A childhood friend and favourite of Elizabeth, there were many rumours of a romance between Dudley and Elizabeth.
  • Individuals:
    Robert Dudley (made a privy councillor in 1562)
    > Frequently argued with Cecil about succession, religion and foreign policy.
  • Individuals:
    Robert Walsingham (made a privy councillor in 1573)
    > He was named a principal secretary. This involved handling both domestic and foreign affairs.
  • Individuals:
    Robert Walsingham (made a privy councillor in 1573)
    > He developed a vast network of spies and informants which he paid through his own pocket.
  • Individuals:
    Robert Walsingham (made a privy councillor in 1573)
    > In 1586, he uncovered the plot that led to Mary, Queen of Scots’ execution (the Babington Plot).
  • Individuals:
    Sir Christopher Hatton (made a privy councillor in 1577)
    > Hatton became captain of her bodyguards in 1572 and in 1577 vice chamberlain of her household, a privy councillor,
    and a knight.
  • Individuals:
    Sir Christopher Hatton (made a privy councillor in 1577)
    > He defended Elizabeth’s views when Parliament challenged them. For example, he opposed Peter Wentworth who in 1576 argued that members of Parliament had the right to discuss any subject they wanted (Elizabeth disagreed with this).