When was Elizabeth’s coronation?
15th January 1559
What was her coronation like?
It was splendid and colourful - show off the power of the new monarch.
How did portraits influence Elizabeth’s power and popularity?
Made her look ageless, strong and powerful
1562 she got smallpox - portraits never showed scars
used as a means of propaganda
How did progresses influence Elizabeth’s power and popularity?
She toured the countryside staying in the houses of her nobles. The purpose was for her to be seen by her subjects and for her to keep a watchful eye over the powerful noble families.
What was the Royal Court?
The centre of all political power during the Elizabethan England - they travelled with the queen when she went on her progresses.
What was the benefit of the Royal Court?
Elizabeth could have all her courtiers close so she could consult them and seek advice, as well has keep an eye on their activities and rivalries.
How did patronage help Elizabeth keep her control?
Ambitious nobles would try to be granted powerful positions - knowing that the queen had the power to make or break them kept nobles loyal and supportive.
Patronage generated rivalry which resulted in court factions.
What was the Privy Council?
Body of advisers and ministers, appointed by the Queen, to help her rule.
Who was Sir William Cecil?
Lord Burghley
Secretary of State
Principle adviser - link between parliament and the monarch
Very close to Elizabeth
Who was Robert Dudley?
Earl of Leicester
Close friends with Elizabeth- rumour of an affair
Who was Sir Francis Walsingham?
spy master
in charge of secret service
uncovered lots of plots to get rid of Elizabeth
key factor to her keeping control
What was the local government?
A trusted body of officials who ensured that Elizabeth’s rule was respected and that law and order was maintained.
Who was the Lord Lieutenant?
chief among royal officials
one appointed in each county
in charge of local militia, justice of the peace and reported local effects to privy council
Who were the Justice of the Peace?
30-60 per county
unpaid - saw job as duty, gave status
legal documents, fixed prices and wages, gave licenses to beg
administered poor relief
Who were the parish constable and night watchmen?
patrolled the street looking out for criminals
prevented trespassing and poaching
kept order in taverns and inns
watched out for vagabonds
Who were the overseers of the poor?
organised and collected local tax from everyone in the parish and distributed the money to those in need of support and charity
On what occasions would Elizabeth call parliament?
short of money - parliament could raise money through taxes
pass acts of Parliament
desired support and advice from MPs and Lords on important issues
MOSTLY FINANCIAL
What problems were facing Elizabeth’s government?
religion
war
funding
Mary queen of Scots
rebellion
What was freedom of speech like in parliament?
Elizabeth anointed the Speaker of the House of Commons and decided what topics were to be debated. Certain topics like foreign policy and religion were to be discussed by the Privy Council, not parliament.
How did Elizabeth pay off the Marian debt?
Court salaries were capped and the spending of the royal household was cut.