The Legacy of Elizabeth I

When died Elizabeth I die?

24th March 1603.

Who succeeded Elizabeth I in 1603?

Her cousin, Mary Queen of Scots’, child, James VI of Scotland, as she did not marry or reproduce to protect her power and he was her closest blood relative.

Was Elizabeth viewed as a good leader?

Yes. There was minimal religious conflict following the Elizabethan settlement, she fiercely defeated the Spanish Armada which many believed was due to ‘Divine Protection’, created ‘Poor Laws’ to aid those in poverty and maintained a trustful relationship with her subjects and parliament, putting James in a good position to succeed her.

How was the Spanish Armada defeated?

In 1588, there were threats of a Spanish invasion, but Elizabeth was admired for her leadership, particularly after the Armada were defeated by a storm as this was seen as ‘Divine Protection’ and even proof the Protestantism was the ‘true’ religion.

Was James viewed as a good successor to the throne?

Yes, because he had ruling experience, was Protestant and had children (heirs to the throne).

When did James become King of Scotland?

In 1567 at 13-months-old.

How did James inherit Wales when he became King of England in 1603?

Wales had been conquered by the English before 1500 and was incorporated into the English kingdom by three Acts of Union (passed during Henry VIII’s reign) which introduced English law and the system of country government so that Wales was governed as an integral part of England.

How did James inherit Ireland when he became King of England in 1603?

Henry VIII extended the traditional claim of English kings to be ‘Lord of Ireland’ into a claim of kingship. By assuming the title of King he extended his power in temporal (non-religious) matters, but also claimed to be Head of the Church in Ireland, as confirmed by the Irish Parliament in 1540. Ireland remained a separate kingdom, with its own parliament under the control of an English governor.

What difficulties did James face in reconciling his different kingdoms (England, Wales and Ireland with Scotland)?

There had been many attempts by England to adopt Scotland, but it remained independent along with its clerical independence which was a strong feature of the Scottish Kirk (Church of Scotland) by 1603. Regulating relationships between multiple kingdoms became a significant issue as there were hostilities between the people of England and Scotland.

What is the political nation?

A term used to describe the part of any nation that is able to exercise political power. In Tudor and Stuart England, political power and influence was limited to those who had the particular skills and status that enabled them to support the monarch in the tasks of government and whose advice and approval was therefore necessary.

Who was at the highest level of the political nation?

The nobility. To be part of the nobility, they had a place at Court with the King, or held land in areas where they were needed to maintain order or defend against foreign invasion.

Who were below the nobility in the political nation?

The gentry, and in some towns, merchants who often acted as JPs (Justices of the Peace) or local officials and could, if they were talented, eventually be promoted to higher offices of state.

In general terms, who did the governing class come from?

Those who owned land and whose income from it enabled them to live without physical labour.

What were the main features of the English system of government?

Government by a monarch with the help of a council drawn from the nobility and Church, and a parliament of two houses drawn from the nobility, gentry and clergy across the country.

Were parliaments a permanent part of government?

No, but they assembled as and when the monarch deemed it necessary.

What did the legal system rest on?

Common Law, a mixture of custom and precedent backed by Statute Law (the highest form of law), which was made by the King-in-Parliament (government by the King but some functions such as law making are carried out by Parliament rather than by the King alone) and interpreted by judges appointed by the King.

What does the ‘Divine Right of Kings’ mean?

That the king was appointed and approved by God and was the source of all power and authority.

How could kings maintain support from a majority of the nobility and clergy?

Through patronage, by which a powerful leader granted wealth, office and status to chosen inferiors and received their loyalty and support in return. For James I, the skilful manipulation of patronage was essential for the security of the monarch and the peace of the kingdom.

Why was the Elizabethan settlement necessary?

Elizabeth, being the daughter of Anne Boleyn whose marriage to Henry VIII had never been recognised by the Catholic Church, was bound to establish a Protestant form of worship when she came to the throne in 1558, but she recognised the need for healing and reconciliation in the religion of England.

What did the Elizabethan settlement entail?

The establishment of the Anglican Church which sought to provide a compromise or ‘middle way’ between the Catholic and Protestant extremes. Although Protestant in doctrine, it retained many Catholic ceremonies and services as well as bishops who were appointed by Elizabeth, Governor of the Anglican Church, thereby maintaining her authority. This satisfied the needs of most of her subjects, but left some dissatisfied minorities on each side.

What did each of the minorities do?

The Catholic minority remained loyal to the Pope, and the Protestant minority became known as ‘Puritans’ as they attempted to persuade Elizabeth into further change to purify the Anglican Church.