Elizabeth's struggles on the throne

Anne Boleyn

Elizabeth's mother, executed for treason; her death led to Elizabeth being declared "illegitimate," a label Catholic rivals used to challenge her legal right to the throne.

The Privy Council

A group of 19 trusted advisors meeting daily; they were the "engine room" of the state, managing the economy, military, and national security.

William Cecil (Lord Burghley)

Elizabeth's closest advisor for 40 years; a moderate Protestant who focused on keeping England stable and avoiding bankrupting foreign wars.

Secretary of State

The most powerful Council role; they managed the Queen's intelligence and strictly controlled which information reached her desk.

The Royal Prerogative

Areas of government only the Queen could decide, including her marriage, foreign policy, and the final Religious Settlement.

Patronage

The system of granting land, titles, or "monopolies" to nobles; it made the aristocracy financially dependent on the Queen's favour.

Religious Settlement

(1559-1563) The "Via Media" (Middle Way) designed to merge Protestant doctrine with Catholic ceremony to prevent a religious civil war.

Act of Supremacy

1559, Established Elizabeth as "Supreme Governor" of the Church; a compromise title to satisfy those who believed a woman couldn't be "Head."

Act of Uniformity

(1559) Forced all citizens to use the Common Prayer Book and attend church every Sunday or pay a fine.

Recusancy Fines

The 1 shilling fine (later increased to £20) for Catholics refusing Protestant services; specifically designed to bankrupt the opposition.

Francis Walsingham

The "Spymaster" who ran a network of 50 foreign agents and "cipher-breakers" to uncover Catholic plots against the Queen.

Mary, Queen of Scots

Elizabeth's Catholic cousin; her 19-year presence in England provided a "living figurehead" for every major Catholic rebellion.

Excommunication (1570)

Pope Pius V officially declared Elizabeth a heretic and "freed" English Catholics from obeying her laws, turning them into potential traitors.

The Northern Earls (1569)

A failed rebellion by Catholic lords who wanted to restore the old religion and their own lost feudal power in the North.

The Ridolfi Plot

(1571) A plan to use a Spanish invasion to put Mary QOS on the throne; it led directly to the execution of the Duke of Norfolk.