Elizabeth I Privy Council

Key functions of Elizabeth’s Privy Council

Discuss matters of state and offer policy advice

Manage crown finances

Instruct a range of officials e.g JPs

To enforce religious settlement of 1559

How did Elizabeth control her Privy Council

Refused to deal with the council as a whole only discussing policy with small groups

Kept accurate notes

Promoted divisions

What major decision was made against the Queen’s wishes

1586 death warrant against Mary Queen of Scots

1587 Elizabeth reluctantly signs

William Davison dispatches it without permission, he is dismissed to the Tower of London

Who was the most important member of the Privy Council

Cecil

How many members were in Elizabeth’s Privy Council

20

How frequently did Elizabeth's Privy Council meet

3 times a week