Causes

• William cecils son and the earl of Essex were both made privy councillors. They didn’t get on and became rivals at court
• In 1598 Essex insulted the queen and turned his back on her during a privy council meeting. He almost drew his sword on her. He was banished from court and put under house arrest
• In 1599 Elizabeth gave Essex a chance to redeem himself. He was made Lord lieutenant of Ireland and was asked to defeat a rebellion led by the earl of Tyrone. Essex failed and instead made peace, against Elizabeth’s wishes
• While Essex was away, Elizabeth promoted his rival, Robert Cecil, to Secretary of State
• Jealous, Essex stormed back to England and burst into Elizabeth’s privy chambers before she was wigged and gowned. He was banned from court, put under house arrest and his monopoly on sweet wine was not renewed