The Royal Court + Elizabeth's Household + the Law Courts

the royal court was important to…

the Elizabethan decision-making process

the royal court was where Elizabeth could…

seek advice on an individual basis

the royal court existed…

wherever Elizabeth was

the royal court function as a place where…

leading subjects could counsel Elizabeth, where she could settle their quarrels, and reward their services

The Royal Court was a display of power and magnificence to…

impress foreign observers & reinforce obedience at home

what were the two main areas of the royal court?

the presence chamber & the privy chamber

what was the presence chamber?

consisted of those with status or connections

what was the privy chamber

more private & more important that the presence chamber but was less influential than it had been in the reigns of Tudor kings because the Gentlemen of the Privy Chamber no longer had the rights of access to the monarch which they formerly enjoyed; admission to the Privy Chamber was carefully guarded.

The operation of the court came under the jurisdiction of the…

Lord Chamberlain - he was always a member of the nobility (and sometimes her close relative e.g. Lord Hunsdon)

what aspects of the court became more important under Elizabeth?

The ceremonial aspects of the court became much more important during Elizabeth’s reign; Elizabeth turned her politicians (e.g. William Cecil) into courtiers and her courtiers (e.g. Earl of Leicester & Sir Christopher Hatton) into politicians

Access to the Queen’s suites (Privy Chamber) was…

the key to power & status

who staffed the privy chamber?

women, many the wives/daughters of leading politicians

what was the privy chamber’s main function?

to attend to the monarch & provide her with personal attendants & companions

the law courts were a …. of influence

varied sphere

the law courts main function was to…

attend to preserve law and order in England

how were officials appointed to the law court

high officials were appointed by the crown, whilst lesser officials were appointed by heads of department & usually came from the gentry class

what are examples of the law courts?

Chancery, the Court of Star Chamber, the Council of the North