The Accession

• Elizabeth became queen in 1558 and ruled until 1603 (her death)
• Legitimacy:

  • a bastard child, Catholics questioned her legitimacy
  • declared illegitimate in 1536, but the duke of Norfolk wasn't = a threat to her position
• Mary Queen of Scots: Elizabeth's cousin

  • a Catholic = opposition
  • had a claim to the throne
  • married to the French heir to throne, made Scotland and France (Catholic) allies = international threat
• Inherited Situations:

  • low population from the Black Death
  • popular, her reign seen as a fresh start
  • Mary I left debts of around £300,000
  • no standing army, nothing to defend with
• Gender + Marriage:

  • single = wouldn't be controlled by a foreign (and probably Catholic) husband, control belongs to her
  • a woman = the fear of England being a 'weak' country
  • 2 English parents = less influence from overseas
  • no kids = no heir and less security to her name
• Religion:

  • wanted to re-establish the Protestant Church in England again but the North was mainly Catholic
  • conflicting religions: catholic vs protestant vs puritan
  • Scotland, France and Spain = all Catholic, good base for invasion
• Character:

  • well educated, multilingual and intelligent = impressed foreign ambassadors
  • loyal and 'married to England' = extremely generous to those who served her well (patronage)
  • Skilful Propagandist = knew how to create the right image and was partially responsible for creating a 'Golden Age'
• Advantages of not marrying:

  • kept her in control of affairs
  • able to keep her options open in foreign affairs
  • remained the focus of power
• Disadvantages of not Marrying:

  • ongoing uncertainty could lead to plots and attacks
  • Privy council were frustrated as no succession made England vulnerable
• Potenital Suitors:

  • Robert Dudley = ambitious, already married (boooo)
  • King Phillip II of Spain = catholic and married to her sister
  • Archduke Charles = political advantages, catholic
  • Francis Duke of Alencon = political advantages, died before a match
• Sir Francis Walsingham:

  • in charge of secret service
  • advised on foreign affairs
  • 1586 = uncovered Mary Queen of Scots overthrow plot
• William Cecil:

  • 1558 = secretary of state
  • most important secretary
  • guided for 40 years
• Robert Dudley:

  • Earl of Leicester
  • trusted adviser
  • dating rumours?!?!
• Monarch:

  • right to rule by God
  • government centred around Monarch
  • debate law and made peace
  • made government policy
  • calls/dismisses parliament
• Privy Council:

  • 19 members
  • met up 3x a week
  • debated current issues
  • advised on government policy
  • monitored JPs proceedings of parliament
  • made up of courtiers, advisers and very senior government officials
• Secretary of State:

  • most important privy councillor , e.g Sir Francis Walsingham
  • closest person in government to the queen
  • advised queen on matters important to the crown
• parliament:

  • made up of the house of lords and house of commons
  • elections held before each parliament but very few could vote
  • granted extraordinary taxation
  • offered advice to monarch
• Lord Lieutenant:

  • oversaw enforcement policies and country defences
  • chosen by monarch
  • in charge of rising and training local militia
  • essential in maintaing Queen's power + defences
• Justices of the Peace:

  • large local landowners who kept local areas in law and order
  • part of the local government
  • made sure all local, social and economic policies were carried out
  • unpaid
  • heard the country every 3 months for serious crimes
  • reported to Privy council
  • position of status
• Court:

  • entertain and advise monarch
  • a body of people living/near the queen, mainly nobility
  • display of wealth and power