Chapter 1: Government of Elizabeth I

Elizabethan Age

Period from 1558 to 1603 during Elizabeth I's reign.

Henry VIII

King known for six marriages and Church of England.

Edward VI

Henry VIII's son who enacted Protestant reforms.

Mary I

Queen who attempted to restore Catholicism in England.

Marian debt

Debt inherited by Elizabeth from Mary I's reign.

Queen's Coronation

Elizabeth's extravagant ceremony to establish legitimacy.

Royal Progresses

Elizabeth's tours to engage with her subjects.

Darnley portrait

Master portrait used for all of Elizabeth's paintings. Used to project Elizabeth's strength

Portrait Propaganda

Use of portraits to project Elizabeth's strength.

Royal Court

Elizabeth's household of nobles and advisors.

Courtiers

Members of the royal court with access to power.

Influenza epidemics

Health crises during Mary I's reign affecting population.

Spanish Armada

Failed invasion of England by Spain in 1588.

Catholic Threat

Concerns over Catholic uprisings during Elizabeth's reign.

Puritans

Religious branch challenging Elizabeth’s Protestant beliefs.

Pageants

Public performances during Elizabeth's coronation procession.

Ermine fur

Symbol of purity in Elizabeth's coronation attire.

Sceptre

Royal symbol of authority held by Elizabeth.

Orb

Symbol of the monarchy's power during coronation.

Royal court activities

Includes plays, concerts, hunting, and jousting.

Elizabeth

She was multilingual and studied theology.

Public image

Elizabeth carefully crafted her appearance and reputation i.e her…

Illegitimacy of Elizabeth

Doubts about Elizabeth's right to rule as queen.

Noble gifts

Expectations for nobles to provide hospitality to Elizabeth.

Patronage

System of granting titles for loyalty.

Privy Council

Advisory body of around 20 noblemen.

William Cecil

Main advisor, Secretary of State, managed Parliament.

Robert Dudley

Main advisor to the Queen, commander of the army in the Netherlands.

Local Government

The name for a group of elected individuals who would maintain law and order in a county.

Lord Lieutenant

County leader overseeing militia and justices.

Sheriff

Legal officer responsible for law enforcement.

Justices of the Peace

Local officials managing law and order.

Parish Constable

Local officer preventing crime and handing out punishments, unpaid role.

Night Watchmen

Patrolled towns at night for safety.

Overseer of the Poor

Organized local tax for poor relief.

Parliament

Met only 13 times during Elizabeth's reign.

Freedom of Speech

In discussions, parliament lacked this.

Religious Plots

Plots made against Elizabeth regarding faith.

Marian Debt

Financial burden that Elizabeth inherited as queen.

Propaganda

Helped craft Elizabeth's image as a powerful monarch.

Factions

Competing groups in court for favor.

Act for the Relief of the Poor

Act which provided support for unemployed organized by local officials.

Court Exclusions

Punishment for displeasing the Queen.

Continuity in Advisors

Retained some of Mary's advisors for stability.

Exclusion/Imprisonment/Execution

Punishments given out if members of the court displeased Elizabeth.