Freedom of Speech

• 1559 MPs asked Elizabeth to marry, she gave a vague response and closed parliament
• 1576 MP Peter Wentworth (a Puritan) complained that MPs were not being allowed to discuss their concerns; he was imprisoned in the tower of London and Parliament was dismissed
• 1586-7 Puritan MP, Antony Cope tried to influence a Bill to get rid of Bishops and introduce a new prayer book - Elizabeth sent him to the tower
• Peter Wentworth defended freedom of speech - tower, Puritan John Throckmorton criticised the war against France - tower and Elizabeth closed Parliament
• 1601 MPs refused to grant taxes against spain and send an army to Ireland unless Elizabeth cancels monopolies; she agrees to cancel some, then flatters parliament in the long “Golden speech” and closes parliament
• Richard Onslow - Speaker of the House of Commons at times during Elizabeth’s reign: I am expected to choose the topics that Parliament will discuss and which MPs will be involved in the discussion