Early Elizabethan England: 1558-1588

Vocabulary flashcards created from lecture notes on Early Elizabethan England (1558-1588) for revision purposes.

Elizabeth I

Queen of England from 1558 to 1603, known for her intelligence, political acumen, and management of religious tensions.

Coronation

The ceremony of crowning a sovereign or a sovereign's consort.

Patronage

The support given by a patron, particularly in granting lands, jobs, and titles.

The Auld Alliance

A historic agreement between France and Scotland, promoting mutual support against England.

Act of Supremacy

1559 legislation that established Elizabeth I as the Supreme Governor of the Church of England.

Act of Uniformity

1559 legislation that prescribed the use of the Book of Common Prayer in Church of England services.

Royal Prerogative

The discretionary powers of the monarch, including decisions on marriage and succession.

Recusancy

The refusal to attend Church of England services, often associated with Catholics.

The Northern Rebellion

A 1569 revolt by Northern earls seeking to replace Elizabeth I with Mary, Queen of Scots.

Mary Queen of Scots

Rival claimant to the English throne, executed in 1587 due to her involvement in plots against Elizabeth I.

Puritans

Protestants who sought a stricter religious reform, criticizing the Church of England's practices.

The Spanish Armada

A fleet sent by Spain in 1588 to invade England, ultimately defeated by the English Navy.

Elizabethan Religious Settlement

The compromise that established the Church of England's practices under Elizabeth I.

Ciphers

Codes used to conceal messages, employed by Walsingham for espionage.

Walsingham

Sir Francis Walsingham, Elizabeth I's spymaster, known for his extensive intelligence network.

Spanish Fury

A mutiny of Spanish soldiers in the Netherlands in 1576, leading to widespread destruction.

Maritime Exploration

The expansion of overseas exploration during Elizabethan times, driven by trade and competition.

English Civil War

Although it occurred post-Elisabethan era, tensions from Elizabeth's reign set later political conflicts.

Low Countries

An area comprising modern-day Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg, key in Elizabethan foreign relations.

Acts of Toleration

Legislations concerning religious tolerance towards different Christian sects, including Catholic and Protestant.

Monarchs' Powers

The extent of authority wielded by monarchs, particularly in law-making and religious matters.

Sea Beggars

Dutch rebels who attacked Spanish shipping and received asylum in England, supported by Elizabeth.

Protestant Reformation

A religious movement in the 16th century that led to the establishment of Protestantism.

Monopolies

Exclusive rights granted by the crown to individuals or companies, often controversial due to abuse.

Spanish Succession Crisis

The threat of a succession crisis stemming from Spain's ambitions during Elizabeth’s reign.

Political Patronage

The influence and control a monarch or state official exerts by granting favors or positions.

Parliament

The legislative body of England, important for passing laws and approving taxation.

Tudor Dynasty

The royal family that ruled England from 1485 to 1603, notable for significant political and religious changes.

Court Life

The lifestyle and culture of the monarchs and nobility within royal courts.

English Renaissance

A cultural and artistic movement in England spanning from the late 15th century to the early 17th century.

Courtier

A person who attends a royal court as part of the retinue or entourage.

Nobility

The class of people who hold titles granted by the monarch, often with significant wealth and influence.

Social Hierarchy

The arrangement of individuals into a society's class system, often dictated by birth and wealth.

Cultural Exchange

The exchange of ideas, customs, and values between different cultures, significant during Elizabeth's reign.

Financial Debts

The monetary obligations faced by the crown, heavily impacting Elizabeth's governance.

The Catholic Church

The Christian denomination led by the Pope, central to the religious conflicts during Elizabeth's reign.

Landscape Painting

An artistic expression often representing Elizabethan England’s countryside and natural beauty.

Exploration and colonization

The expansion of empires into new territories for land, resources, and trade.

Trade routes

Paths typically taken by ships; essential for commerce and trade expansion during Elizabeth's reign.

Sea Power

Naval strength and capability, crucial for England's defense and expansion during Elizabeth I’s rule.

Counter-Reformation

The Catholic Church's response to the Protestant Reformation, aiming to reform itself and counter Protestant growth.

Secularism

The principle of separating religion from political and public affairs, gaining ground during the era.

Inflation

An economic condition where prices rise, significantly affecting the crown's finances.

Homilies

Sermons that serve as a guide to Christian life, outlined in the Book of Homilies for Elizabethan churches.

Bishoprics

Bishop's offices that often became sources of income through patronage and vacancies.

Holyrood

The royal palace residing in Scotland, associated with Mary Queen of Scots.

The Act of 1571

Legislation that made it treasonous to declare Elizabeth a heretic.

Vagrancy

The condition of being homeless or continuously travelling without a permanent home.

The Church of England

The national church formed under Elizabeth I, blending Protestant beliefs with certain Catholic traditions.

The Great Exhibition

An event where art, inventions, and achievements of the Elizabethan era were showcased to the public.

Anti-Catholic sentiment

Hostility or prejudice against Catholics, prevalent in Elizabethan England.

Laity

The body of religious practitioners who are not clergy, important in church services.

Succession Crisis

The period of uncertainty following Elizabeth I's reign over who would inherit the throne.

Military Alliances

Agreements between nations to provide mutual support, crucial for Elizabethan foreign policy.

The Northern Earls

Noblemen from Northern England who led a rebellion against Elizabeth in 1569.

Judicial Powers

Authority granted to courts and judges, influenced by Elizabeth’s own apprehensions.

Executive Powers

The powers exercised by the monarch to enact laws and govern.

Violence in Sports

The brutality inherent in popular Elizabethan pastimes, such as bull-baiting and cockfighting.

Mercenary Forces

Soldiers hired to serve in a foreign army, significant in the context of Elizabethan military strategies.

Political Intrigue

The use of cunning or scheming in politics, prevalent among Elizabeth’s court.

Public Sentiment

The views and opinions held by the general populace, shaping Elizabeth's policies.

Religious Extremism

Radical beliefs that deviate from mainstream religious practices, notably among Puritans and certain Catholics.

Literature and Poetry

An important aspect of the Elizabethan era, highlighted by writers like Shakespeare.

Prosperity in Trade

The economic growth derived from commerce, vital for funding exploration and defense.

Treason Act of 1571

Legislation outlining punishments for actions deemed treasonous against the crown.

Foreign Relations

The relationships and agreements between states, critical during Elizabeth's reign, particularly with Spain.

The Armada Portrait

A famous painting depicting Elizabeth I, symbolizing her victory over the Spanish Armada.

Crown Land Sales

The selling of royal land as a means for financial recovery during Elizabeth's rule.

Assembly in Parliament

The convening of Parliament for addressing national issues and decisions.

Political Factions

Groups of individuals with aligned interests or beliefs, often influencing Elizabeth's court.

Protestant Church Services

Services held within the Church of England, central to its practices.

Artistic Endeavors

Cultural pursuits including theater, literature, and music, flourishing under Elizabeth I.

The Long Parliament

While a future event, the seeds of conflict during Elizabeth's reign led to its necessity.

Surveillance Techniques

Methods employed by Walsingham to monitor potential threats to Elizabeth's reign.

Noble Families

Wealthy lineages holding significant influence and power, pivotal in Elizabethan politics.

Public Festivals

Community celebrations that were popular in Elizabethan England, fostering local camaraderie.

Royal Authority

The dominion exercised by the monarch, crucial for governance in Elizabethan England.

Ecclesiastical Courts

Church courts that were responsible for religious legislation and legal matters.

Privateers

Privately owned ships sanctioned to attack enemy vessels, crucial in the Elizabethan economy.

Naval Battles

Military engagements at sea that defined Elizabeth's defensive strategies.

Rejection of Marriage Proposals

Elizabeth I's refusal to marry, affecting socio-political alliances throughout her reign.

The Protestant Ethic

The belief in hard work, frugality, and economic success as a display of religious faith.

Community Role of Churches

The function of churches as centers for social welfare and governance in Elizabeth's England.

Plunder and Piracy

Acts of robbing and seizing goods, significantly shaped by figures like Francis Drake.

Religious Persecution

The oppression faced by dissenters from the state religion, particularly under Elizabeth's rule.

Courtly Education

The specialized training provided to nobles, focusing on arts, languages, and etiquette.

Spanish Inquisition

The enforcement of Catholic orthodoxy in Spain, which heightened religious tensions in Europe.

Assessment of Taxes

Evaluating the financial contributions owed to the crown, often affected by wars.

Modern State Formation

The evolution of organized governmental structures, early signs emerging during Elizabeth's reign.

Popular Culture

The common cultural practices and artifacts of the general populace during the Elizabethan period.

The Anabaptists

A radical sect emerging during the Reformation, facing persecution for their beliefs.

Reformist Movements

Various efforts to reform the Church, challenging established practices.

Economic Recovery

The process of restoring the crown's finances post-debt, accomplished under Elizabeth's policies.

Exploitative Economic Practices

Methods by which nobles profited at the expense of lower classes in Elizabethan England.

The Queen's Speech

Public addresses made by Elizabeth I, often significant for their political and motivational content.

Farewell Consumption of Food

Cultural practices surrounding communal feasting during Elizabethan celebrations.

Royal Accounts

The fiscal records maintained by the crown, relevant to budgeting and expenditure.

Mutual Support in Parliament

The collaboration among members to achieve common legislative goals.

Popular Account of Events

Interpretations that the public embraced detailing significant happenings during the period.

Suffering and Survival

Themes reflective of the Elizabethan social structure, including poverty and class struggles.