3) Elizabeth and her court

Queen Elizabeth I, Reigned 1558-1603

  • When she was born, no one ever expected Elizabeth to become monarch
  • Her mother, Anne Boleyn, had been executed for treason on the orders of her father, King Henry VIII
  • Further, Elizabeth's elder sister (Queen Mary of Scots) saw her as potential threat to her own rule.
  • Her family tree shows how unlikely Elizabeth's coronation would have seemed when she was a child she was the middle of Henry's three children and both her younger brother and older sister came before her in line of succession
  • Yet, as a princess, Elizabeth had been educated and brought up within the royal household.
  • She learned quickly that court was a dangerous place for her if she was not careful in what she said, did, and who she trusted

Power in Elizabethan England

  • Elizabeth was only 25 when she became queen and she needed to establish her authority quickly.
  • Although being queen gave her power, she couldn't do as she pleased
  • Her government had a clear structure of advisers and other powerful figures. Most of the power was held by a few key trusted individuals in Elizabeth's court.
  • Many, but not all, of these were privy councillors. The queen could ensure support through patronage

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  • ^^^ Patronage was an important way of ensuring loyalty from courtiers. Elizabeth could award titles, land, monopolies and other powerful money-making opportunities in exchange for obedience and support

Court life

  • The royal court and the government were not the same thing
  • The court was made up of all the officials, servants and advisers that surrounded Elizabeth.
  • The court was the centre of power, but also the source of the latest trends and fashions. it included the Privy council, but Justices of the Peace and Parliament were not part of it.
  • The government was made up of the queen and her closest advisers, usually privy councillors, but always men whom she trusted.

Who had power?

Privy Council

Justices of the Peace

Parliament

Lord Lieutenants

  • Appointed by the queen
  • Responsible for running a particular area of the country
  • Responsible for raisng a militia to fight for the queen if needed
  • Many also served on the privy council
  • Made up the House of Lords and the House of Commons
  • Had influence over tax and were responsible for passing laws
  • The queen could choose when to call Parliament and was free to ignore their advice
  • Responsible for the day to day running of the country, dealing with all policy areas
  • Although the queen could technically appoint whoever she wished, in reality she had to appoint the most powerful landowners in the county, in order to prevent rebellion
  • If the council was united, it was almost impossible for Elizabeth to go against their wishes. however, unity was very rare in a group filled with ambitiousrivals
  • The privy council was lead by the Secretary of state
  • William Cecil and Francis Walsingham were two significant and powerful figures who each served as Secretary of State. both had a hug influence of Queen Elizabeth
  • Serveral in every county
  • Responsible for maintaining order and enforcing the law

Summary:

When Elizabeth was a child no on expected her to become queen

The most powerful group in Elizabethan England was the privy council, led by the Secretary of State. It was responsible for the daily running of the country

Parliament had influence over tax and passing laws,but its power was limited.

Lord Lieutenants were appointed by the queen to run a particular area of the country

The royal court was the centre of Elizabethan power and the source of the latest trends and fashions