Elizabeth I

• Elizabeth I

  • Younger than when Mary was on throne
  • Well educated
  • Shrewd
  • Good judge of character
  • Learned from personal experience
• Elizabeth's aims as a Protestant under Mary's rule


  • Became cautious
  • Reluctant to take final decisions
• Elizabeth's short term aims


  • Consolidate
  • Settle religious issues
  • End war with France
• Elizabeth's succession was accepted by Mary's councillors
• Elizabeth's coronation was significant because it was in Latin and English which was a sign of her religious settlement
• Protestants wanted religious change whereas Catholics dreaded this
• Elizabeth intended to establish a papal church along Edwardian line and alter the services
• The House of Lords was predominantly Roman Catholic, making it difficult for the Reformation
• King Philip II of Spain disclosed his intention for England to remain Catholic
• Marian bishops who refused to sign the Oath had positions filled by Protestants