Study Notes on Elizabethan History and the Spanish Armada

Film Clip Introduction

  • The class begins with a film clip from "Elizabeth: The Golden Age" (2007).

    • This sequel is less critically acclaimed than the first film.

    • The clip focuses on King Philip II of Spain, highlighting his significance as the husband of Mary Tudor, who is deceased by this time.

Themes and Character Contrast

  • Character Depiction

    • The clip opens with Philip II in his palace, the Escorial in Spain.

      • He expresses concerns over being murdered by Catholics in England, viewing every English Catholic as a potential assassin.

      • References the atrocities in France to illustrate the threats to Elizabeth's reign.

      • Highlights the perception that loyalty lies with the Pope.

    • Philip's portrayal is contrasted with Elizabeth's character.

      • Audience members observe her to be more tolerant and reasonable compared to Philip's intense zealotry.

      • Elizabeth asserts that she will not punish people for their beliefs but for their deeds.

Religious Tensions and Political Implications

  • Philip II's characterization exhibits themes of religious fanaticism and military intent.

    • His actions are motivated by what he claims to be divine will.

    • Philip's portrayal leans into evil imagery, suggesting he is a villain in juxtaposition to Elizabeth's heroism.

  • The class discussion emphasizes England's position in the narrative of the movie, asserting that England's victory over Spain is not an isolated event, as other nations, like the Dutch, were also involved.

Historical Context: Spain's Dominance

  • Spain as a Major Power

    • Spain is recognized as the leading power in Europe until around 1630-1640.

      • Wealth is derived from the Americas (including Mexico and Peru) and extensive Habsburg territories.

      • The comparison of population sizes between Spain and France is noted, stressing Spain’s wealth and power.

    • Elizabeth's England was at a significant disadvantage concerning military strength.

    • The discussion will return to the Spanish Armada, which is a central focus of the course.

The Act of Uniformity and Religious Enforcement in England

  • Overview of the Act

    • The Act reinstates Thomas Cranmer's Book of Common Prayer for Anglican services.

    • Attendance at Church of England services is mandated, with penal fines for non-compliance.

    • Timeline created around parish laws and church wardens overseeing attendance.

    • Fines of 12 pence (12p) are imposed for each absence, contributing substantially to the poor due to redistribution of fine income.

The Role and Function of Church Wardens

  • Each parish (approximately 9,000 in England) elects church wardens, which are laypeople, to ensure attendance and maintain church order.

    • Significance of local governance in religious compliance is emphasized.

    • Consequences of failure in duties include potential fines for the wardens themselves.

    • These wardens, though historically seen as ‘village snoops,’ had varying levels of commitment to the enforcement of Protestant doctrine.

Pax and Tolerance vs. Intolerance in Elizabethan England

  • Distinction between recusants (those who refuse Anglican services) and church papists (who outwardly attend Anglican services but harbor Catholic beliefs).

    • The restrictive nature of the religious laws mandated covert Catholic services and lead to fines.

    • The laws imposed fines to ensure public order in religious service attendance, which often caused underground worship to emerge.

Recusancy Fines Structure

  • Fines and Economic Implications

    • Fines could escalate dramatically, impacting those who faced harsh economic conditions.

      • Initially set at 12p, escalating to £240 (in present-day value, about $240,000), creating greater resistance among Catholics.

  • A gradual decline in recalcitrants, with data suggesting only 2% of the population were recorded as recusants by 1602 due to oppression.

The Resilience of Catholic Practices

  • Hidden Catholic Services

    • Underground Catholic masses occurred, often shielded by affluent individuals’ homes.

    • Historical locations like Harvington Hall serve as evidence for both secretive worship practices and the risk of punishment faced by priests.

  • By the late 1580s, Catholic priests that were trained abroad faced possibly fatal consequences, while domestically-trained priests suffered imprisonment.

  • The government’s response hardened over time with increased penalties focusing on Jesuit and seminarian priests as perceived threats to the state.