rising of the north
Revolt of the earls (rising of the north)
First serious threat to Elizabeth’s reign- turning point, important
Issues surrounding religion
Religious settlement 1559-England Protestant, didn’t persecute catholics, Elizabeth overlooked the large number who practiced Catholicism in secret
MQoS alternative monarch, devout catholic
Northern earls gained much under previous queen, given large amounts of power within their territories
Elizabeth’s gov favoured Protestants over catholics- bring northern earls under control
Earls irritated Elizabeth hadn’t announced successor, no idea if the future ruler would restore or reduce their power
Duke of Norfolk marry queen of Scot’s, help her to overthrow Elizabeth And restore Catholicism
Supported by earl of Northumberland and Westmorland, however reliant on Spanish troops joining them on coast
Plot reported by Robert Dudley- Elizabeth imprisoned Duke of Norfolk
Earls raised army of 4000 and moved south, took over Durham cathedral celebrating mass- clear sign of intention to restore Catholicism
Elizabeth arrested Mary and moved her to Coventry
Plot ultimately failed- Spanish support never arrived and some nobles refused to join- fear of failure and loyalty
Rebels fled to Scotland, 700 ordinary people suspected of rebellion executed
Highlighted real threat by Mary, caused her to be excommunicated from Catholic Church by pope
Signalled to other catholics that now was time to rebel- Elizabeth became more wary, less lenient and more control over north
First serious threat to Elizabeth’s reign, a critical turning point driven by religious issues. The 1559 religious settlement left England Protestant but allowed Catholics to practice in secret. Mary, Queen of Scots (MQoS), posed as an alternative monarch, being a devout Catholic. The Northern earls, previously powerful under the last queen, sought to regain influence, feeling marginalized by Elizabeth’s Protestant government.
Frustrated by Elizabeth’s lack of a announced successor, which threatened their power, the Duke of Norfolk planned to marry MQoS to help her overthrow Elizabeth and restore Catholicism. Supported by the earls of Northumberland and Westmorland, they relied on Spanish troops. However, after Robert Dudley reported the plot, the Duke of Norfolk was imprisoned.
The earls raised an army of 4,000, overtook Durham Cathedral, and celebrated Mass, signaling their intentions. Elizabeth reacted by arresting Mary and relocating her to Coventry. The plot ultimately failed as Spanish support never arrived, and some nobles withdrew due to loyalty and fear of failure. Rebels fled to Scotland, with 700 ordinary people executed for rebellion.
This episode highlighted the real threat posed by Mary, leading to her excommunication by the Pope and signaling to Catholics that it was time to rebel, prompting Elizabeth to tighten her control over the North.
The Revolt of the Earls in 1569 was the first significant threat to Elizabeth I, driven by religious issues. The 1559 religious settlement established England as Protestant while allowing secret Catholic practice. Mary, Queen of Scots (MQoS), posed as a Catholic alternative monarch. Discontented Northern earls, feeling sidelined by Elizabeth’s Protestant governance, sought to restore Catholic influence. Duke of Norfolk aimed to marry MQoS to overthrow Elizabeth, supported by the earls of Northumberland and Westmorland, relying on Spanish military support. However, the plot was reported, leading to Norfolk’s imprisonment. The earls raised an army of 4,000, seized Durham Cathedral, and celebrated Mass as a declaration of their intentions. Elizabeth responded by detaining MQoS and relocating her. The plot failed due to lack of Spanish support and loyalty concerns among nobles, with rebels fleeing to Scotland and many executed. This incident highlighted the real threat posed by MQoS, resulting in her excommunication by the Pope and prompting Elizabeth to tighten control over the North. This revolt marked a critical turning point in Elizabeth’s reign.