Elizabeth I's Reign: Key Events and Policies (1558-1588)

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Elizabeth becomes Queen (1558)

Elizabeth I ascended the throne after Mary I’s death. England was divided by religion, financially weak, and vulnerable to foreign threats.

Act of Supremacy (1559)

Made Elizabeth Supreme Governor of the Church of England. Clergy and officials had to swear loyalty; reasserted royal control over religion.

Act of Uniformity (1559)

Required all churches to use the same Protestant Book of Common Prayer. Attendance at church was mandatory, with fines for recusants.

Royal Injunctions (1559)

Enforced the Religious Settlement: banned pilgrimages, required clergy to teach royal supremacy, and ensured churches had English Bibles.

Visitations by Commissioners (1559)

Government agents toured the country to enforce the Settlement. Around 400 Catholic clergy were dismissed for refusing conformity.

Treaty of Cateau-Cambrésis (1559)

Peace with France ending the war over Calais, which England permanently lost. This was unpopular but allowed Elizabeth to focus on domestic affairs.

The role of the Privy Council

Elizabeth’s core advisors, led by William Cecil. Helped manage religion, security, finance, and foreign policy during her early reign.

Elizabeth’s religious policy

Aimed to create a ‘middle way’ between Catholicism and Protestantism to unify the country and avoid war.

Arrival of Mary, Queen of Scots (1568)

Mary fled to England after being forced to abdicate in Scotland. As a Catholic with a claim to the throne, she posed a major threat.

Revolt of the Northern Earls (1569)

Catholic nobles tried to depose Elizabeth and install Mary. The revolt failed, but it showed the danger of internal religious unrest.

Papal Bull (1570)

Pope Pius V excommunicated Elizabeth and encouraged Catholics to disobey her. This escalated religious tensions and led to stricter laws.

Ridolfi Plot (1571)

Plot involving Spain and the Duke of Norfolk to marry Mary and replace Elizabeth. It failed; Norfolk was executed, and England’s suspicions about the catholics increased.

Throckmorton Plot (1583)

A Catholic plot involving foreign invasion and uprising. Discovered by Walsingham’s spy network. Throckmorton executed; Mary under tighter control.

Babington Plot (1586)

Final major Catholic plot involving coded messages between Mary and Catholic agents. Uncovered by Walsingham. Led directly to Mary’s execution.

Execution of Mary, Queen of Scots (1587)

After the Babington Plot, Elizabeth reluctantly signed Mary’s death warrant. Her execution removed the Catholic figurehead and provoked Spain.

Walsingham’s spy network

Funded agents across England and Europe. Used ciphers, informants, and surveillance. Crucial in foiling multiple Catholic plots.

Jesuit and Seminary Priests

Loyal to the Pope, trained abroad to convert English people to Catholicism. Considered traitors and persecuted under Elizabeth’s laws.

Recusancy fines

Increased significantly after 1570. Catholics who didn’t attend Church of England services were fined to force conformity.

The Dutch Revolt (from 1566)

Protestant Dutch rebels fought against Spanish rule. Elizabeth sent unofficial support—arms, money, volunteers—to weaken Spain.

Pacification of Ghent (1576)

United Dutch provinces temporarily in opposition to Spain. Elizabeth supported this Protestant alliance diplomatically.

Treaty of Joinville (1584)

Philip II of Spain allied with the French Catholic League. This increased the threat of a Catholic invasion of England.

Treaty of Nonsuch (1585)

Elizabeth signed this treaty to support Dutch Protestants with troops and money. Marked the beginning of war with Spain.

Francis Drake’s voyage (1577–1580)

Drake circumnavigated the globe, raiding Spanish ports and returning with treasure. Seen as a hero in England; angered Spain.

Drake’s raid on Cadiz (1587)

Known as “singeing the King of Spain’s beard.” Drake delayed the Armada by attacking Cadiz and destroying Spanish ships.

Reasons for the Spanish Armada (1588)

Philip II wanted to restore Catholicism, punish Elizabeth for piracy and Mary’s execution, and stop English support for the Dutch.

Spanish Armada launches (1588)

130 ships aimed to escort the Duke of Parma’s army from the Netherlands to invade England. Poor communication and weather hindered it.

Battle of Gravelines (1588)

English used fireships to scatter the Armada. Better maneuverability and tactics led to a major English victory.

Weather and the Armada

After defeat at Gravelines, storms wrecked many Spanish ships as they attempted to sail around Scotland and Ireland.

Results of the Armada

Spain suffered a major defeat. Elizabeth’s reputation rose. England’s naval strength and Protestant cause were strengthened.

The cult of Gloriana

Elizabeth was promoted as a wise, powerful, “Virgin Queen” through portraits and propaganda. Helped secure loyalty and national pride.

Parliament’s role (1558–1588)

Met infrequently. Had limited power but could grant taxes. Pressured Elizabeth on marriage, religion, and Mary’s fate.