Early

Elizabethan
England
History
Paper 2
 Knowledge booklet
LESSON 1 How was Society and Government organised when Elizabeth came to the throne in 1558?
Introduction
Life in 1558, when Elizabeth became the Queen of England was very different from today. Life expectancy was only between 28 and
41. People were still expected to follow the official Christian religion of the monarch or else be punished for committing treason and
heresy. England was also a very violent place with no police force or permanent army. 90% of the population were poor and lived in
the countryside. The ownership of land was key to how rich or how powerful a person was. One key feature of Elizabethan England
was how clear the boundaries were between rich and poor. Nobody believed in equality and there was a strict social hierarchy with
no social mobility. Quite simply, if a person was born poor, no matter how skilled or hard working they were, they would be expected
to remain poor. In addition, Elizabethan government was also strictly structured and had many key features to help Elizabeth rule the
country.

The Features of Elizabeth Society

Features of Elizabeth Government
Elizabethan people had a very clear idea of where everyone
belonged in society and the monarch was at the top. The monarch It was be impossible to move into a higher section of society.
was followed by the nobility. The nobility were other people in the However, it was also expected that a person with power and wealth
wider royal family as well as those with important titles such as the had a duty of care to the group of people below them.
earls. Then came the gentry. These were people who owned the In Elizabeth’s government, there were different roles to make sure
most amounts of land. As it was the ownership of land that reflected the country ran smoothly. The monarch believed in the Divine Right
the amount of power a group in society had these people had a lot of of monarchs – this meant that God had given them to right to rule.
influence. Further down, the Yeomen or Yeoman Farmers were men For this reason, Elizabeth could make decisions on her own such as
who owned smaller amounts of land or an estate where others declaring war on her own. These orders were called ‘proclamations’.
worked. Tenant farmers rented land from the Yeomen and then Elizabeth had the right to stop government discussing any issue she
employed the next group down called the labouring poor. The wanted.
labouring poor made up most of society and mainly carried out
tough, physical work such as farming. At the bottom of the hierarchy The most important person in Elizabeth’s government was her
were the vagrants and vagabonds. These people were often out of Secretary of State. The name of Elizabeth’s first Secretary of State
work, homeless and had to beg or steel in order to survive. was Sir William Cecil. He was the closest person to Elizabeth, had a
key role in giving her advice and was Elizabeth’s most trusted
In the towns, merchants (people who traded goods from abroad) member of the Privy Council. After William Cecil, Francis Walsingham
were important people, followed by professionals such as lawyers took over the role and was again, a key individual in helping Elizabeth
and doctors. These would always be men as they were the group who against her enemies.
had access to education. One Whoever you were, it was expected that you fully respected your
feature of Elizabethan society was the structure in a home. The
FEATURE PURPOSE/JOB
place in society and did not
husband and father was the head of the home and the wife and challenge the group above. Doing this could result in punishment as
children were expected to be obedient to him at all times. Few Court They lived with the mo
it was seen as a Crime against Authority.
questioned this rule and expectation as they knew no different. friends and advisors to
 Elizabeth made. Parliament There were two ‘hou Justices These were landowner
of bishops). Parliame of the area. They were unpaid
Privy There were 19 memb voted on laws and o Peace were followed and taxe
Council They met 3 times a w times during Elizabe punishment if the crim
make sure Elizabeth
Cecil was the key me

Lesson 2 :What were the challenges faced by Elizabeth ‘at home’ when she became Queen in 1558?

Introduction to the lesson:

The people of Tudor England expected their monarch to have certain strengths and qualities. For some, Elizabeth posed a number of problems as
the new monarch of England in 1558. Below are the challenges that were faced by Elizabeth when she became Queen of England in 1558.
❑You should aim to EXPLAIN why each of these issues would have challenged the power and control of Elizabeth when she first became Queen in
1558.
❑Then, aim to justify which of the challenges would be the most significant for her and how the various factors all relate to each other.
from Philip II of Spain. She had the belief that she many in her court , Privy trust Elizabeth if she
wanted to be ‘married to her country’. Council and Parliament. was expected to lead an army into battle
Her Legitimacy to the
• She was under constant pressure from her Privy It also supported beliefs during war.
thrown. • Being legitimate Council and Parliament to marry. They worried about women not • Women were not seen as strong enough,
means being legally able to that if she did not marry, England was lack being either mentally or physically in order to rule
become a monarch. stability and face threats from abroad. and make decisions about a country.
able to rule.
• Catholics in England and abroad • Elizabeth also faced a challenge from those
did not support her Father’s Gender who wished her to have children.
(Henry VIII) divorce from The Economy Previous Tudor Women • Many believed that if she did not have
Catherine of Aragon. This meant • Elizabeth was able to raise money by taxing her • Catholics in England were already angry with children, there would be no heir to the throne
they did not see his marriage to people but this was always unpopular. She did not her father Henry VIII for starting his own for the Tudor family and it would also
his second wife (Anne Boleyn) and Elizabeth’s want to do this as it would bring even more ‘Protestant’ Church of England and the mean she would be more vulnerable
mother as legal. challenges towards her reign. following ‘Reformation’ which led to England to attack and assassination.
• In their eyes Elizabeth was a ‘bastard child’ (a • She did not have a lot of money because of the becoming a Protestant country not Catholic. • With a child, if anything happened to
child born to parents who are not married). costly wars fought before her time. • This brought a challenge from the Elizabeth, the child would continue
• This meant that Elizabeth had no legal right to • When she became Queen, England was £300,000 Pope in particular as Elizabeth to
become Queen as her mother and father were not in debt. The yearly total she would gain in a year wanted to continue her father’s reign of the Tudor monarchy.
was lower than this. Protestant faith in England.
legally married when she was born. Religion Without one, the country was very
• To be strong, Elizabeth needed to be wealthy and • The Pope strongly influenced unstable.
Marriage show her wealth. many English Catholics to • Her Privy Council constantly pressured her to
• It was expected in challenge Elizabeth’s religious have children at the start of her reign.
society that as views. • People were worried that
Queen, Children • For a Queen to rule rather Elizabeth would be just as
Elizabeth should Her Personality than a King was evil and strict as a ruler as
marry. Elizabeth was confident, well educated, intelligent something very unusual her half sister, Mary I.
• Elizabeth could only marry a man from an and charismatic, able to make great speeches and in • Mary I had executed over
equal status which would mean a man who win people over. English history. Women 300 Protestants for going
was a prince or king of another country. However, she faced a challenge from those who were seen as inferior to against the Catholic Church.
• Elizabeth however, worried that this would put heralso knew she took too long to make decisions. Her men in all areas of society. Many had the • Mary had caused hunger and poverty,
under the control of another country and be a hesitation with same attitude towards Elizabeth. lost a war against France and brought
threat to her power in England. decision making • It was believed that women should still be England into debt. It was a worry that
• Elizabeth even turned down the offer of marriage frustrated under the full control of men. Some did not
 Elizabeth, being a woman, would do the same.
LESSON 3: What were the challenges to Elizabeth from ABROAD?

Introduction to the lesson:

As well as a number of challenges facing Elizabeth from within England, she also faced some key threats from abroad (other countries).
The main threats towards Elizabeth at the start of her reign in 1588 were from France, Scotland and Spain. Some of these threats were
based on religion now that Elizabeth wanted England to be a Protestant country. Other threats were linked to politics and power. Some
threats from abroad were to do with the economy (money) while other threats were related to land. Read the threats from each of the
countries below and decide for yourself whether each country from abroad was threatening Elizabeth’s religion, her power, the
economy or England’s England.

THE THREAT FROM FRANCE THE THREAT FROM SCOTLAND THE THREAT FROM THE POPE
England. It was also a problem as Mary, Queen of but brought over French troops to help the fighting
FRENCH THREAT 1:
Scots had a very strong claim to the English throne against England on the border. This meant that the
By 1558, France was wealthier than England. It also and had a huge amount of support from many Scottish army also had the help of the French army
had a bigger population. France had long been the
Catholics all across Europe. against England on the border.
traditional enemy of England as the two countries
FRENCH THREAT 5: ROME THREAT 1:
had fought against each other throughout history.
England had taken control of an area of land in Despite the poor communication methods and
Elizabeth’s government worried that France would
France called Calais. This land was important for modes of travel between European countries, the
be more likely to win another war if the two
Elizabeth’s pride and for her trade with the rest of head of the Catholic Church, the Pope, still had
countries fought.
Europe. However, it was always under the threat of huge control and influence over the beliefs and
FRENCH THREAT 2:
being taken back by the French. actions of Catholics all over Europe. The Pope used
France also had a very strong friendship with his power and influence to his advantage to ask
SCOTTISH THREAT 1:
Scotland. This long term relationship with Scotland
The Scottish monarch, Mary, Catholics to challenge Elizabeth. He spoke about his THE THREAT FROM SPAIN
was called the Auld Alliance. Scotland too, had long SPANISH THREAT 1:
Queen of Scots believed that she was the legitimatedislike for the Reformation (the change to the
been another enemy of England. This threatened Protestant Church) and had already argued with Spain was a strict, powerful and wealthy Catholic
(legal) heir to the English throne. She and her
the power of Elizabeth even more as Scotland was country. It also supported the claim that Mary,
supporters accused Elizabeth of being a ‘bastard’ Elizabeth’s father, Henry VIII about religion.
to the north of England with France to the south. Queen of Scots had to be the rightful Queen of
child of Henry VIII. She was heavily supported by ROME THREAT 2:
FRENCH THREAT 3: England. Elizabeth was worried that Spain might
Catholics in England, Scotland, France and Spain. It The Pope wanted a ‘Counter-Reformation’ – this
The countries in the Auld Alliance were strict was possible that the Queen of Scotland could meant he wanted to make all Europe Catholic again join forces with France and Scotland to become an
Catholic countries. They sided against Elizabeth who even bigger threat against her. The Catholic King of
attempt to become the Queen of England. and stop the spread of the Protestant Church.
was showing further support for the Protestant
SCOTTISH THREAT 2: Elizabeth was worried that the Pope could influenceSpain, Philip II had even been married to Elizabeth’s
Church. Many Catholics wanted to return England
The border between Scotland and England was Catholics all over Europe to challenge her as Queen extremely Catholic sister Mary I. Spain had all the
back to the Catholic faith and the way to do this right power and support to defeat Elizabeth.
difficult for the English to defend. as It was a very of England.
would be to threaten Elizabeth and remove her from
long distance away from London and Elizabeth’s ROME THREAT 3:
the throne.
English troops found it difficult to travel there. The Pope was even willing to offer support to
FRENCH THREAT 4:
There were constant Scottish raids into England countries such as Spain and France in their fight
The Catholic French King, Francis II was engaged to
over the border which the English found difficult to against Protestant England. Not only did he promise
the Catholic Scottish monarch, Mary, Queen of money, but promised anyone who fought against
defend. SCOTTISH THREAT 3:
Scots. This would bring the two countries even the Protestant faith in England a place in Heaven.
Mary, Queen of Scot’s mother (called Mary of
closer together in their fight against Protestant
Guise) who was French, also spent time in Scotland
LESSON 4: What were the RELIGIOUS DIVISIONS in England when
Introduction to the lesson:
Elizabeth became Queen in 1558?
Before we look at the changes that Elizabeth I made to religion, it is vital that we
know
KEY TERMS
what religious life was like in England at this time. There S Priests cannot marry
had been significant changes in the belief of the any sexual relationsh R
Christian church in Europe in the 1500s. Some Christians T
had started to question the greed, wealth and power of Catholics believe in th
existence in saints w
the Catholic Church. Some then ‘protested’ against the cause miracles.
Catholic Church and set out to change or REFORM in the • Reformation • Mass
way Christians worshipped. These changes were known Church services are in
T • Protestant • Catholic
as the Reformation and the people who followed this
Priests wear special a• Puritan
new Christian religion were called ‘PROTESTANTS’. This H highly decorated reli• Latin
meant that by the time Elizabeth became Queen of clothing called ‘vestm• Clergy
E • Act of
England, there was a divide between the traditional
Catholic Church and the Protestant Church. Elizabeth Churches are highly Parliament • Vestments • Sacraments
I decorated to show th
also came to power after her strict Catholic sister Mary I and power of God.
R
had ruled the country and punished Protestants.
C
The main features of the religious divisions/differences when
Elizabeth became Queen in 1558 H
Catholic
U
CATHOLICS R
T
The Pope in Rome is t C
H leader of the Church
England. H
E
Many clergy such as E
I S
cardinals, bishops an
R priests are needed a
have huge power. Catholics were still th
B S majority in the north
During the religious c England
E of Mass, bread and w U
become the actual b Support from the Pop
LI body of Christ. This is P Rome, Spain, France
a miracle. Scotland and the Spa
E P who have taken over
There are 7 main relig Netherlands.
F O
ceremonies called sac
Countries such as Spain and where the Catholic Church Church, punished) Protestants.
France remained the official persecuted (or Many protestants fled to
England and religion by Catholic Scotland which Religion in England was
influenced more removing ANY Catholic was nearer to them and the now divided between the
Protestant changes here. influence. monarchy in London were traditional Catholic Church
Some Protestants took their In the north of England, in less influential in the north. the newer Protestant
new religion seriously and places such as Yorkshire, In the south of England Church. Many people were
became more extreme. Lancashire and Durham, however, people tended to used to
They were known as religion stayed very be more Protestant as they worshipping in a Catholic
Puritans. They wanted to Catholic. People were were closer to the Queen in way after having Mary I in
‘purify’ the Christian influenced more from London. charge.

Elizabeth’s Christian Beliefs The Clergy in England

When we talk about the clergy, we mean anyone who
Elizabeth believed more in the Protestant works for the Church such as bishops, vicars and
faith. However, she wanted to be fair to both priests. When Elizabeth became Queen, most clergy
faiths. When she became Queen of England were still Catholic. Elizabeth used a new law called an
she did not want to punish the Catholics for Act of Parliament to officially change the religion of
following their faith. Elizabeth could see the the country back to the Protestant faith. Many priests
increasing tension between the Catholics and agreed to follow Protestant religion just to keep their
the Protestants and so she wanted to seek a jobs. However, more powerful members of the clergy
‘Middle Way’ or compromise. Her Catholic such as the bishops remained Catholic and were more
sister, Mary I, had persecuted over 300 willing to challenge Elizabeth. Many Catholic clergy
Protestants before Elizabeth became Queen. wanted Mary, Queen of Scots to become the Queen
Elizabeth was not interested in doing the
of England and remove Elizabeth.
same against Catholics simply to seek
revenge.
LESSON 5: KEY LESSON – What were the features of Elizabeth’s Religious Settlement in 1559?
Introduction to the lesson:
After only a year as Queen, Elizabeth wanted to try and find a solution to the religious differences between the Catholics and the Protestants. Elizabeth
wanted a Protestant church that the Catholics would accept. Instead of forcefully challenging the Catholics, she hoped that her new religious laws would
eventually mean the Catholic faith in England would just fade away. A very strict Protestant group called the Puritans wanted Elizabeth to go even further
and ban ALL Catholic aspects of religion. However, she could not risk upsetting the Catholics too much as at the start of her reign she needed the support
of her people. Remember, that most people were still Catholic after the reign of her sister Mary I. It was therefore Elizabeth’s aim to bring about a
COMPROMISE. This compromise was known as Elizabeth’s MIDDLE WAY. Elizabeth’s official changes to religion in England were called the RELIGIOUS
SETTLEMENT. There were three main parts to it. As you read through, ask yourself which parts of the religious settlement the Catholics would like or
dislike and which parts the Protestants and Puritans would like and dislike? Who would be happiest with her Religious Settlement?

THE ACT OF SUPREMACY THE ACT OF UNIFORMITY ROYAL INJUNCTIONS

The Act of Supremacy made Elizabeth the ‘supreme’ leader of Any members of the
the Church of England instead of the Pope. Ecclesiastical High Commission An Ecclesiastical High clergy who did not
Commission was created. This was a group of people who follow the Religious
Oath Of Allegiance Settlement could be
All clergy (people who belonged to the church) had to swear made sure that all clergy did as they were told and followed punished with a fine
an oath of allegiance to her as their supreme leader and the Religious Settlement.
by the High
promise to obey her Religious Settlement. Commission.
Punishment
 The Act of Uniformity set out rules for how a church should Settlement. The instructions included rules such as:
look and what the church services should be like. Being • The clergy were ordered to teach their
‘uniform’ meant everyone being the ‘same’. congregations about the Religious Settlement to
make sure people understood it and followed it.
• Each church was to have a copy of the Common
Prayer Book in English NOT Latin.
• Pilgrimages to holy places, worshipping saints
and believing in ‘fake’ miracles were banned as
The Bible or ‘Book of Common Prayer’ this was more of a Catholic practice.
A Book of Common Prayer was to be used in ALL churches and • Elizabeth did allow some images of Christ in the
by all clergy and written in English. The wording of the Book church such as stained glass windows and
of Common Prayer was deliberately vague/unclear so statues.
Catholics and Protestants could read their own meaning to it. IMPACT OF THE RELIGIOUS
SETTLEMENT
Church on a Sunday • 8,000 clergy out of 10,000 (80%) accepted the Religious
It ordered everyone to go to church on a Sunday Settlement. Most ordinary people accepted the Religious Settlement
and other holy days - otherwise they would be as they were simply used to doing what they were told.
fined. The fine was a lot for ordinary people and • However, many Catholic bishops (bishops were higher powered)
it was a way to make sure they heard the opposed the Religious Settlement. These bishops increasingly
message of the Protestant Church. Some supported opposition against Elizabeth however, Elizabeth sacked
Catholic nobles refused to go to church as they them and appointed 27 new Protestant bishops. Many Catholic
could easily afford to pay the fine. Those who nobles refused to go to the new church services and became
Clothing for Priests – Vestments. refused to attend church were known as recusants.
‘recusants’. • Puritans believed the Religious Settlement was still too Catholic.
Priests had to wear special, decorative clothing called
The Royal Injunctions were a written set of instructions issued Some in London even destroyed church statues and stained glass
vestments. This was a more traditional Catholic tradition and
windows.
Elizabeth personally liked priests to look ‘special’. to to the clergy about how to follow the Religious
LESSON 6: the overall reaction to the
What was the role of the Church of England in
Religious Settlement?

Enforcing the Religious Settlement of 1559? What was

The Clergy (men who worked for the Church) England had more
All members of the Church had to take the oath of supremacy - if they refused they would be Catholics and they
dismissed. Around 8,000 priests out of roughly 10,000 parishes took the oath. This means that were slower to
the Religious Settlement was largely successful. However, more traditional Catholic Bishops were change to the new church services. Some Catholic families would avoid punishment if one person
different. Only one agreed to take the oath. The others had to step down. This meant however, from a household attended the new Protestant Church service in their local church, but other
that Elizabeth could appoint 27 new bishops of her choosing. Elizabeth used this opportunity to family members would then stay at home to say their prayers following traditional Catholic
place 27 loyal, Protestant bishops in place. methods. Those people who refused to attend the new church services were called recusants.
The Ordinary People However, Elizabeth stated that she did not want recusants to be investigated too deeply.
Most people accepted Elizabeth’s Religious Settlement and attended the new Church of England However, in the southern parts of England, especially close to London, people welcomed the
services. They did this, even though many of them still held on to some of the older Catholic Protestant religion. People even took it upon themselves to violently remove and destroy the old
beliefs they had grown up with. The wording of the new prayer book helped as it could be Catholic statues of saints.
understood to mean different things by both faiths. Parishes in places nearer to the north of
 How the Church of England helped to Enforce the rules of the Religious Settlement
A Licence Essential Licenses helped Elizabeth increase the bishops to make sure that everyone in Checking other Professions
Priests needed a license to preach belief and the clergy was following the rules of Church visitations also made
The Threat of Punishment The church from the following of the Religious Settlement the Act of Supremacy and Act of sure that other professions had
had a government. This meant that priests as the Priests would speak positively Uniformity. 400 clergymen were the correct licence. For
responsibility to make sure the rules of would have to follow the ideas of the about it to their congregations (people dismissed in 1559 - the same year as example, teachers, lawyers and
the Religious Settlement were carried government or not be allowed their who visited their church). the Religious Settlement for not surgeons all needed permission
out by all clergymen. Any that did not license. Visitations following the rules. Visitations would to practice from Elizabeth’s
could be punished with a fine or Loyalty to Elizabeth Churches were inspected by powerful be carried out every 3 to 4 years. government.
dismissal.
The Role and Influence of the Church in
To deal with crime and punishment
Powerful and Educated Everyday Life
Priests were the most powerful figure in a local person’s income or their goods produced. Religious Ceremonies and decide on punishments. Church Courts were
village with significant influence on people’s beliefs. Influence The village church took control of weekly services, used in each village to deal with issues such as
With poor transport and weddings, funerals, births, baptisms. It also ran marriage (if people marrying because of the right
communication, the village priest was the only schools, summer fetes and celebrations during holy reasons), sexual offenses (such as bigamy – having
Tithes days. It had a huge amount of influence on local life more than one wife), wills and inheritance. This
person able to influence and make sure people
The local church collected money from the local followed the rules of the in general. gave the local churches a lot of power and influence
people called a ‘tithe’. This was often 10% of a monarch. The church had a responsibility to deal with crime over people.
difficulties such as with money, deaths, poor harvests or disease
could be made better by visiting the local church. To Influence different beliefs
Provided help in times of need. To deal with social issues. Towns were growing and with increased trade from around the world,
The Church was at the centre of all towns and villages. The Priests A bigger population in towns led to issues such as poverty, vagrancy some coastal port towns such as London had people with a wider
were the first person people would go to in a time of need. Any (begging) and disease. Priests had a role in helping people deal with range of religious beliefs.
these issues.
❑ The Puritans wanted a simpler style of worship with no decorative and expensive Catholic
LESSON 7: To explain why the PURITANS challenged Elizabeth’s clothing.
Religious Settlement. ❑ The Puritans wanted plain, whitewashed churches where people could pray without the
distraction of extravagant ornaments, stained glass or statues. This represented the ‘purity’ of the
Christian religion that the Puritans believed in.
Introduction to the lesson: ❑ The Puritans hated the idea of the Pope and believed he was the ‘Anti-Christ’.
The Puritans were a group of extreme and radical Protestants. They wanted to take
the Protestant religion one step further by removing ALL aspects of Catholic Puritan Challenge 1: The use of the Crucifix
What did the Puritans want?
worship. Despite Elizabeth making England officially Protestant, the Puritans were
The Puritans did not like fancy, highly decorative Catholic style ornaments in
not happy with how she compromised with her Religious Settlement in 1559 to churches and wanted the image of Christ on the cross removed. Some Puritans
make the Catholics in England happy. As a result, some Puritans challenged threatened to resign if this was not done at a time when Elizabeth needed their
Elizabeth. support the most.
What did Elizabeth do?
Elizabeth actually liked the image of the crucifix and at first wanted them to
Puritan Facts remain in churches. However, after the threat of the Puritans to resign, she GAVE
❑ The Puritans wanted to remove any and all aspects of the IN and said that there was no way to enforce every church having a crucifix. The
Catholic religion in England. Puritans were therefore happy with her decision. However, this did not stop Elizabeth having a crucifix in
❑ The Puritans wanted religion to be controlled by the her own church and some other churches continued to display it in areas further north where the
monarch without the need for more Puritans were not popular.
powerful bishops and cardinals who they believed were too
rich, corrupt and greedy.
Puritan Challenge 2: The use of Vestments (Religious Clothing)
What did Elizabeth want?
Elizabeth wanted the clergy to wear special religious clothing called vestments. She liked
the imagery and how it made the clergy look important. Vestments were more decorative
and many people liked how it symbolised the importance of the clergy.
What did the Puritans want?
Puritans challenged this and believed that the clergy should not try to look more
important. They believed that member of the clergy were equal to ordinary people and
that it was God who was important and not the clergy. They wanted the clergy to wear
plain, black and white, simple clothing.
What did Elizabeth do?
This time, Elizabeth did NOT GIVE IN and ordered the clergy to wear the vestments. She even had the ❑The sacking of the 37 clergymen after the vestment challenge proved that
Archbishop of Canterbury put on a exhibition in London to show off the vestments the clergy had to Elizabeth would act strongly against the Puritans if they challenged her.
wear. Of 110 invited, 37 Puritan clergy refused to attend. Elizabeth punished them by dismissing them
from their role in the church - they lost their job. ❑Puritans were only active and threatened Elizabeth's power in the South-East of
England in places such as London and Oxford. Even here, their only actions were
to damage or destroy Catholic church buildings or decorations. The rest of the
country remained mainly Catholic.
How far were the Puritans a threat to Elizabeth after 1559? ❑Elizabeth and her government mainly ignored the Puritan challenges as the
threat from the Catholics was far more significant.

Elizabeth couldn’t just remove or attack the Puritans. In fact, because of

their belief in the Protestant faith, she needed them on her side to
keep the Protestant faith strong and to try and outnumber the
Catholics.

❑Few Puritans actively challenged Elizabeth’s Religious Settlement. If they did,

they might risk losing their job and they were worried about the punishments
they may be given.
LESSON 8: To explain the extent of the CATHOLIC challenge to Elizabeth’s Religious Settlement from within England.
Introduction to the lesson:
As well as from the Puritans (the extreme group of Protestants), another challenge to Elizabeth’s Religious Settlement was from the Catholics who lived within England.
The Catholics knew that Elizabeth had tried to compromise and seek a ‘Middle Way’ between the two Christian religions. However, they still saw the official Protestant
religion as a threat to their much loved, traditional Church and way of worshipping. Due to Mary I’s strict Catholic rule, by 1559 there will still many powerful Catholics
living within England who wanted to threaten Elizabeth. These Catholics were also hugely influenced by the Pope in Rome and other powerful Catholics from Spain,
France and Scotland who all gave the promise of military, political and economic support.
The threat of the English Nobles, Gentry and Elizabeth?
The influence of the Pope and the Counter How far were the English Catholics a threat to
Reformation. settlement. as a way to show their dislike towards organised enough to attempt a revolt against
❑ The Pope also supported Catholic Elizabeth for this. Many Catholic nobles also Elizabeth!
❑ The Pope was and is the leader of the communities all over Europe persecuting hated how much power Elizabeth was giving to
Catholic Church. Most Catholics believe that he (punishing) Protestants who they saw as important Protestants such as her Secretary of Elizabeth did not react in a strict and harsh way
has been chosen by God and see the Pope as ‘Heretics’ and encouraged the waging of war State William Cecil and a close advisor of her against the Catholics who refused to attend
an against Protestants and their faith. called Robert Dudley. Their challenge was just Church of England services. She worried that if
extraordinary. Many will worship the Pope as as much a way to get back their power and she punished these recusants too much they
Earls
they would God. influence as much as a complained about the would be further angered and rebel against
❑ At the time, he influenced other Catholics all ❑ The nobility, the gentry and the earls were at new Protestant religion. her. Therefore, by ignoring the Catholic nobles
over Europe, including England and called for the very top of Elizabethan society. They she helped avoid a rebellion.
them to stop the spread of the Protestant owned huge areas of land and held great The Pope could only influence English Catholics
Faith. He called for something called a power. so much as he was so far away living in Rome. Around 1/3 of the
‘Counter-Reformation’. This meant a reversal ❑ A large number of nobles and members of His messages still took time to reach the Catholic nobility
back to the Catholic faith and to end the the gentry in the north of England remained English Catholics, although once received they and gentry were
influence Protestantism. In particular, he Catholic and they were heavily influenced by would be very influential. recusants,
wanted Elizabeth to make England officially the instructions from the Pope. especially in the
Catholic again. ❑ Roughly 1/3 of English Catholic nobles north of England
Most ordinary English
❑ The Pope may have spoken from Rome became recusants after the Pope’s instructions
Catholics (those who were not rich earls and but far fewer in
(Italy) but had a massive influence on the in 1566. Despite facing a fine for not attending the south such as
nobles) adapted to Elizabeth’s
Catholics within England. For example, in 1566, the Protestant Church services, their wealth London. Elizabeth
Religious Settlement.
the Pope issued an official instruction to meant that they could easily afford the
Ordinary people simply did not question what did not feel
English Catholics which ordered them not punishment. threatened by the
they were told to do. In this way, Elizabeth
attend Elizabeth’s Church of England services. ❑ Before Elizabeth’s reign, the Catholic nobles
never faced a threat from the majority of her Catholics living in
The people who followed this order and had gained a huge amount of land, power and the north
people.
refused to attend Protestant Church services influence during the Catholic reign of Mary I. because they
were called ‘Recusants’. These recusants were However, once Elizabeth became Queen of However, as you will discover, by 1569, a were so far away
often powerful and wealthy people and this England, they lost some of this power. They number of
from her.
made them a threat to Elizabeth’s religious wanted to challenge the Religious Settlement important earls from the north became
LESSON 8: To explain the nature and extent of the CATHOLIC challenge from abroad to the Religious Settlement.
Introduction to the lesson:
Despite a number of countries having more Protestant believers, most of Europe was still officially controlled by the Catholic Church by the Pope
in Rome, Italy. Because of the power of the Catholic Church it was no coincidence that these Catholic countries were highly powerful, wealthy and
influential. Elizabeth understood that religion was so powerful, that if these Catholic countries united, they could easily threaten and defeat her
as Queen of England. The Pope pushed Catholics across Europe to take part in the Counter Reformation to remove Protestantism from Europe.
As you study each country, try to decide which one had the most significant threat to Elizabeth and her Religious Settlement as well as how they
link to each other.

Scotland The Netherlands

❑ Scotland had a long tradition of following the Catholic faith. This was English throne.
especially true during the rule of Elizabeth’s cousin, Mary, Queen of ❑ There were also many Catholic Scottish nobles who would be willing Spain
Scots. ❑ Mary, Queen of Scots had strong family links to Catholic France to support Mary in gaining control of Protestant
after she had married the King of France, Francis II and Elizabeth England.
worried that the French may help Mary, Queen of Scots claim the
 threatened by the Spanish Inquisition . This meant that any Protestants
❑ Spain was the wealthiest country in Europe and strictly Catholic. It
had already made vast amount of money from its trade and exploration in the Netherlands could be arrested, punished, tortured or even
abroad, especially in the New World (America). burned alive in public – just as a warning to others not to follow the
❑ Spain’s leader, King Philip II once had strong Catholic links with Protestant faith.
England as he was married to Mary I (Elizabeth’s sister – also known as ❑ In 1566. Dutch Protestants rebelled against the Spanish. However,
Bloody Mary). He even offered to marry Elizabeth to make allies with Spain sent 100,000 troops led by the harsh Duke of Alba and defeated
England but she refused his proposal. the Protestants quickly.
❑ Spain began to challenge England after the Religious Settlement and ❑ The Duke of Alba stopped more Protestant rebellions by setting up a
became even more angry with Elizabeth’s after her support for other Catholic style court known as the Council of Blood. This executed more
Protestants in Europe. Protestants and sent a strong message to other Protestants in Europe,
including Elizabeth, about what Spain were capable of.
France ❑ In 1567, some Protestant Dutch Rebels fled to England. These men
❑ There was also conflict between Catholics and were known as the ‘Sea Beggars’. Elizabeth made the decision to take
Protestants in France. care of them. This showed Spain that Elizabeth had taken sides against
❑ In fact, in 1562, Elizabeth had promised to help the French them to support the Protestants.
Protestants. She hoped the French would reward her by returning the ❑ In 1568, Spain was angered even more when Elizabeth decided to
important port of Calais back to English control but this did not happen. capture and keep Spanish money on its way to the Netherlands. took
Catholic, Philip II of Spain was angered by Elizabeth for her support of money called the Genoese Loan. The Italian city of Genoa had offered
the Protestants in France. money to help Spain in the Netherlands but they made the error of
❑ To make matters worse, the Catholics came to power in France and stopping on the south coast of England with the Genoese Loan before
Elizabeth was forced to sign an agreement called the Treaty of Troyes. heading to the Netherlands. Elizabeth ordered the money to be seized.
This agreement officially gave Calais back to the French for good. This King Philip II of Philip was furious.
made Elizabeth look weak and a poor decision maker. Why was Elizabeth worried about the Spanish in the Netherlands?
Elizabeth was worried about the harsh actions of the strict Duke of Alba
and the Council of Blood. She was worried that being so close to
England’s shore, the Duke of Alba could easily send his men to England.
As Elizabeth had helped to shelter the Protestant ‘Sea Beggars’ this sent
a clear message to Spain and King Philip that she was taking sides
against the Catholics. This made tensions grow between England and
Spain and risked a religious war. Spain’s control in the Netherlands was
so secure by 1570 that it would have been easy them to invade England
due to how close they were.

Rome (Italy)
❑ The Pope’s influence spread across all of Europe from Italy’s capital
city, Rome. He wanted a Counter
Reformation to remove the Protestant Faith.
❑ In 1566, the Pope had instructed Catholics in England to avoid Church
of England services (become recusants) and start a ‘war’ against the
Protestant Faith.
❑ In 1570, the Pope excommunicated Elizabeth a year after her
Religious Settlement. This meant she was no longer a part of the
Catholic Church and should be seen as an enemy to all Catholics.

❑ As a country, the Netherlands had officially been a Protestant country.

However, by this time it was controlled by Catholic Spain.
❑ The people living in the Netherlands, called the Dutch, were
LESSON 9: To explain why Mary, Queen of Scots was a threat to Elizabeth.

Background:
Mary, Queen of Scots was a strict Catholic. She was also Elizabeth’s cousin. Most Catholics believed that it was
Mary, who had the legitimate right to the English throne. This was because the Catholics did not believe
Elizabeth’s parents, Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn were legally married when Elizabeth was born as the Pope had
refused to divorce Henry and his first wife. Mary, Queen of Scots seemed to always be at the centre of many
Catholic plots against Elizabeth. Here are some of reasons why Elizabeth was so worried about Mary.
1. Elizabeth secretly sent money and troops to 1560, Mary returned to Scotland.
help Protestants in Scotland fight against any It was believed that in Scotland,
1: Mary’s Legitimate Claim All Catholics believed Catholic influences that would help Mary. Mary was planning to challenge
that Mary, Queen of Scots was the legal heir to the Elizabeth with the support of the house arrest so she was guarded at all times.
English throne. She gained support from Catholics 2. In 1560. Elizabeth made Mary, Queen of French and the Scottish Catholics.
Scots sign an agreement called The Treaty of By this point in time, Elizabeth had lost all trust
not just in England but from all over. They ❑ The death of Francis II and her move back to
supported the idea to overthrow Elizabeth to Edinburgh. Here, Scotland made Mary unstable. This made Mary
in her cousin.
return England back to the traditional Catholic faith 6: Mary’s Ruthless Relationships! ❑ After the even more of a risk for Elizabeth. 4. Elizabeth did not yet execute Mary as this
with Mary as England’s Queen. death of her husband King Francis II, Mary married ❑ Scotland was traditionally more Catholic and it may have started a conflict with the Catholics
2: Elizabeth had no heir her second husband, Lord Darnley in Scotland in was likely that Mary would gain support to and Elizabeth did not have the resources or
Elizabeth was not married and therefore had no 1565. overthrow Elizabeth. money to fight a war yet.
children. This left England without an heir and ❑ However, this was a violent relationship and 4: Mary’s French links
many people believed it also left Elizabeth some people suspected that Mary was involved in ❑ Mary, married the French monarch, King Francis
vulnerable to attack. However, because of Mary’s Darnley’s murder in 1567. II and her mother, Mary of Guise was also French.
religion, Elizabeth refused to name Mary, Queen of ❑ Mary then married again, to a Earl Bothwell – ❑ While Mary was living in France with her
Scots as her heir. This simply angered and again, this relationship did not go well. ❑ husband, her mother controlled Scotland for her
motivated the Catholics even more. Eventually, the Protestant Lords in Scotland and had great respect and control there.
3: Catholic Support for Mary became fed up with Mary and she was forced to ❑ This made her a threat because she could easily
With support from the Pope, English Catholic step down as queen. gain support from France against England if
nobles, France and Spain; it was highly likely that ❑ Protestants put Mary in prison on an island in needed.
Mary would attempt to challenge Elizabeth as the middle of a lake. However, she escaped with
Queen of England. For Elizabeth, this meant that the help of Catholic lords and fled to England to get
Mary was one of her biggest challenges. If Elizabeth help from Elizabeth in 1568. This proved how
sat back and did nothing about Mary, she would ruthless Mary was and how much support from
look too weak. However, if Elizabeth acted too Catholics she could get if needed.
harshly against Mary, it would anger the Catholics INTERESTING FACT
even more. Why was Mary, Queen of Mary agreed she would give up her claim to the Elizabeth I and her cousin Mary, Queen of
Scots a threat to Elizabeth? English throne. Of course, she would never Scots never actually met. They communicated
stick to this agreement but it was enough to with each other via letters and often, Mary,
keep Elizabeth happy for the time being. Queen of Scots would sent Elizabeth gifts as a
What did Elizabeth do about Mary, 5: Mary’s return to Scotland 3. When Mary came to England ask Elizabeth way to try and gain her trust.
Queen of Scots? ❑ After the death of her husband King Francis II in for help in 1568, Elizabeth placed Mary under

LESSON 10: To explain the causes, features and failure of the Revolt of the Northern Earls in 1569/70.
Elizabeth was crowned Queen in 1558. Her Religious Settlement came a year later in 1559. She had already faced a number of threat from
home (within England) and abroad. Many of these threats linked back to the Catholics and their wish to place Elizabeth’s Catholic Cousin; Mary,
Queen of Scots on the throne. 10 Years after her Religious Settlement came one of the biggest threats from within England. This threat was
known as the Revolt of the Northern Earls in 1569. Unsurprisingly it was a Catholic plan to put Mary, Queen of Scots on the English throne. It
failed but stirred up even more tension between protestants and Catholics.
7. Elizabeth raised 8. The earls went to 9. 450 rebels were
an army of 14,000 meet the Spanish executed and
men and the troops but they never Northumberland was
The causes of the Revolt of the Northern Earls. revolting army of arrived as executed in York. His
Causes are linked to the categories of: Religion, wealth, politics, geography, social and foreign 5,400 fled back promised in the letter head was put on a
influences. north. to Mary, spike above the city
gates.
The features of the revolt.
1. For Mary, Queen 2. Mary event told the 3. Elizabeth found out 10. Elizabeth was 11. In 1570, the Pope 12. Elizabeth also set
of Scots to marry Spanish that she ‘shall about the plan and under pressure issued a Papal Bull up a ‘Council of the
the be Queen of England Norfolk was arrested from her Privy (Religious order) to all North’
Duke of Norfolk and in 3 and sent to the Tower Council to execute Catholics to remove which organised even
then forcefully months and mass shall of London. Mary, Queen of Elizabeth from the harsher treatment of
remove Elizabeth as be said all over the Scots and the Duke throne. Elizabeth then Catholics who refused
Queen. country’. of Norfolk but passed a law to make to follow orders.
refused any attempt on her life
4. The Earl of 5. The two earls 6. The Catholic rebels treason and heresy.
Northumberland gained support and carried on south with
and took over the aim of rescuing
Westmoreland Durham Cathedral. The Mary,
reacted to this by Protestant Archbishop Queen of Scots from
starting the revolt fled and the earls prison and putting her
in the north. celebrated Catholic on the throne.
Mass in northern Elizabeth
churches for 2 weeks. ordered Mary to be
moved.
The rebellion happened in the
north as most people here Elizabeth had chosen a Protestant Key Catholic earls, The Earl of
remained Catholic and more as the Archbishop of Durham in Northumberland and The Earl of
motivated to challenge Elizabeth. 1561. Durham was a traditional Westmorland, both lost influence
Catholic town and James and power under Elizabeth. They
Mary, Queen of Scots was under Pilkington’s appointment were jealous of Elizabeth’s new
house arrest in England. The earls angered many Catholics in the Protestant ‘favourites’ William Cecil
believed they had an opportunity north. and Robert Dudley.
to free her and easily have a Elizabeth refused to name Mary,
legitimate Catholic monarch as Queen of Scots as her heir. The earls The Northern Earls believed they had
Queen of England. wanted Mary as the next monarch. the support of Spain who also wanted
Mary, Queen of Scots as a new
Many Catholic earls and nobles The group who started the revolt Catholic Queen. It was believed that
had become recusants as a were Catholic nobles and earls. They Mary had received a letter from
protest against Elizabeth, but soon had a lot of influence to start a Spain promising troops to help with
saw that this did not bring about a rebellion and the rebellion.
change back to Catholicism. They gain Catholic support from The earls simply wanted to restore
needed a more extreme tactic. ordinary people in the north. the Catholic faith in England. The
northern earls were influenced by
 the Pope’s orders for a Counter earls called Jane Neville and Ann another Catholic monarch would help
Reformation. Percy also hated how much power restore their power.
Another rebel, The Duke of Norfolk, and wealth they lad lost. They hugely
had planned to marry Mary, Queen of influenced their husbands to start a
Scots and then aim to take the throne. rebellion against Elizabeth.
This would provide Mary with even
more power to bring back the Catholic The Catholic earls lost power and
faith and help the rebellion. wealth when Elizabeth became
Queen. They wanted revenge and Key Terms
The wives of the Catholic northern removing her to make way for
Earls Scots Northumberland Westmorland William Cecil Jane Neville and Archbishop Durham Mass Council of Papal Bull
Revolt Northern Mary, Queen of Earl of
Earl of Duke of Norfolk Robert Dudley Ann Percy James Pilkington Cathedral the North

LESSON 11: To explain the failure of the Ridolfi (1571), Throckmorton (1583) & Babington (1586) Plots against Elizabeth.

Background:
The failure of the Revolt of the Northern Earls, did not stop other Catholics from trying to plot against Elizabeth and bring Mary, Queen
of Scots to power. Elizabeth put her Secretary of State, Francis Walsingham in charge of finding out who was plotting against her. His
network of spies allowed him to collect enough evidence to stop 3 further attempt to remove Elizabeth. See if you can recall the
features of each plot and explain why they failed.
The Babington Plot 1586
The Ridolfi Plot 1571 The Throckmorton Plot
The causes of the plot: to prove that the Duke of Norfolk was guilty of cousin of Mary) to come to England, free Mary,
1. Elizabeth had made laws against Catholics even treason. Queen of Scots and make her Queen.
tougher after the Revolt of the Northern Earls. 2. Philip II of Spain offered to pay for the revolt. 3.
Catholics felt punished. 2. The Papal Bull (Orders Consequences: The Pope knew of and approved the plans. 4. A
• Elizabeth had the Duke of Norfolk executed but Catholic Englishman, Francis Throckmorton
from the Pope) had ordered Catholics to rebel
refused to execute Mary, Queen of Scots as this agreed to pass letters between Mary, Queen of Scots The causes of the plot:
against Elizabeth to make England Catholic again. 3.
would further anger Catholics. and the plotters.
This caused Italian banker, Roberto Ridolfi to plot a 1. Elizabeth had made laws against Catholics even
• The plot proved that the Catholics were still a threat
murder against Elizabeth. tougher after Throckmorton.
and support could be brought in from Spain.
Why did the plot fail? 2. The Papal Bull (Orders from the Pope) had
The features of the plot: • There were even tougher laws and monitoring of
Catholics to discover any further plots. • Sir Francis Walsingham discovered the plot. • He ordered Catholics to rebel against Elizabeth to
1. Ridolfi was a spy for the Pope & worked as a found letters in Throckmorton’s house. • make England Catholic again.
banker in England Throckmorton was arrested and tortured for
2. Ridolfi planned to murder Elizabeth, start a information. The features of the plot:
Spanish invasion and put Mary, Queen of Scots in • Throckmorton was then executed. 1. To murder Elizabeth.
power. 2. The French Duke of Guise to invade England with
3. Ridolfi travelled to the Spanish controlled Consequences: 60,000 men and put Mary, Queen of Scots on the
Netherlands to discuss his plans with the Pope, the 1583 • Throckmorton’s letters proved how much Catholic throne.
Duke of Alba and Spanish King Philip II. The causes of the plot: hatred there was for Elizabeth. • Showed the threat 3. Philip II and the Pope supported the plot. 4.
4. Ridolfi was given support by the Catholic Duke of 1. Elizabeth had made laws against Catholics even from France not just Spain. • 11,000 Catholics were Catholic, Antony Babington, wrote to Mary, Queen of
Norfolk who promised to marry Mary, Queen of tougher after the failure of Ridolfi. 2. The Papal Bull imprisoned. • A new law made sheltering Catholic Scots while she was under house arrest. However, her
Scots (exactly as he had done in the plan for the (Orders from the Pope) had priests punishable with death. letters were closely monitored after the previous
Northern Earls). ordered Catholics to rebel against Elizabeth to plots involving her.
5. Philip II ordered 10,000 Spanish troops to make England Catholic again. Why did the plot fail?
Why did the plot fail? • Sir Francis Walsingham discovered the plot when
prepare an invasion. The features of the plot: looking through the letters sent to Mary, Queen of
Sir William Cecil discovered the plot and was able 1. The plan was for the French Duke of Guise (a Scots.
 • He used codes called ciphers for his letters.
Consequences: Walsingham’s
• He could work out the codes other
• Antony Babington was executed. tactics to uncover the plots.
• 31 Catholic Priests were executed across England
letters were
in 1586. • He used a written in.
Elizabeth finally signed Mary’s Death Warrant network of spies • He was willing to use torture
in 1587. This would remove any more plots in every town. against Catholic
involving her taking Elizabeth’s throne. • He sent spies priests to gain
Elizabeth’s Spy Master abroad. information.
Francis Walsingham. • He paid Catholic informers.

Lesson 12: The importance of Francis Walsingham as Elizabeth’s ‘Spymaster General’.

Francis Walsingham was a strict Protestant. In fact, during the reign of Elizabeth’s Catholic sister Mary I, Francis Walsingham decided to escape England in fear of his
life. However, after Mary I’s death, he and other Protestants returned to England to support the Protestant Queen Elizabeth I. He began to work closely with Elizabeth’s
Secretary of State, William Cecil and helped him to discover plots against her. He became so trusted as well as talented at his job, that in 1573, Elizabeth asked Francis
Walsingham to be her new Secretary of State. During his time working with William Cecil, Walsingham had already started to build up relationships with people abroad,
who he believed could spy for him. He made sure that he had spies and informers working for him in France, Spain and Scotland in particular. Walsingham was also
keen to travel to these countries himself in order to gain the trust of even more people. Walsingham was also known for his bluntness and the way he would directly
talk to the Queen. He was so effective at his job, that he has become known as Elizabeth’s ‘Spymaster’.

Walsingham’s Importance in the

Francis Walsingham’s Spy Network and Spy Methods Execution of Mary, Queen of Scots
Walsingham supported Francis Drake’s an impressive range of spies and informers in every Walsingham began to train his own spies on the their supporters were executed by Walsingham.
circumnavigation of the world. He correctly judged country and important town. Some were specially use of ciphers (secret written messages) and even Walsingham gathered a vast number of spies and
that the Catholic Spanish were vulnerable to attack trained agents but others were simply ordinary found individuals such as Arthur Gregory who informers abroad in countries such as Scotland,
at sea by Francis Drake. The Catholics were people who Walsingham had recruited. could lift the red wax seal from a letter to make it Spain, France, Italy and even in North Africa.
certainly humiliated when Drake attacked and look like the letter had been unread.
❑ Walsingham played a key role in collecting the instructed the guards there to open any letters
looted Spanish ships on the voyage in the 1570s. Not all priests who were arrested were executed as
evidence that was presented to Elizabeth to prove which had been sent to her or which Mary wanted
Walsingham was so ruthless, that he was even Walsingham wanted to avoid the Catholic priests in
that her cousin, Mary, Queen of Scots was plotting to send.
willing to spy on members of the nobility and getting too much sympathy and support. A special
prison was built for the priests and the conditions ❑ It was important that Mary still believed these
against her.
even members of Elizabeth’s close Privy Council.
❑ While Mary, Queen of Scots was under house were not that harsh. However, 130 priests and 60 ofletters were being secretly sent to her. This way,
Throughout England and Europe Walsingham had
arrest in England, Walsingham Walsingham was able to
s of c faith
Walsingham was willing to use torture as a way to gain
trade from
information. For example, he tortured Edmund
and Englan
Campion in 1581. Campion was then hung, drawn and
explor d was
quartered at Tyburn as a deterrent to other Catholic
ation. to
plotters.
He simply
Walsin
believ remov
gham
ed e the
becam
that Catholi
e
one cs
involv
way to from
ed in
remov Englan
many
e the d all
aspect
Catholi togeth
 er and of Mary to the throne of England.
send Ameri ❑ Mary’s reply was
them ca. then discovered in
to the discover the plans of the Babington Plot. a beer barrel and
‘New ❑ A letter was found in which Babington
World’ planned to assassinate Elizabeth and bring
Walsingham also gained information from some of the believed could give him useful information about any plots
against Elizabeth. This could be from prisoners to Catholic
Catholic priests who he had captured. For example, John
priests. If money didn’t work to get the support he needed
Hart was a Catholic priest who had been smuggled into
then Walsingham was also willing to use the threat of
England but then found by Walsingham. He was held by
violence.
Walsingham in the Tower of London in 1581. However, he
was promised a ‘pardon’ for his time in the tower if he
promised to spy for Walsingham. Given that in 1580, at least
6 Catholic priests had been taken to the Tower of London,
it fully supported the plan.
tortured and executed, Hart’s decision to spy for
❑ This evidence is what
Walsingham was not a surprise.
Walsingham needed to bring Mary, Queen of Scots to trial.
He was given £2,000 a year by Elizabeth’s government to
carry out his secret activities and bribe anyone who he
LESSON 13: To explain why Mary, Queen of Scots was executed by Elizabeth in 1587.

Background:
Elizabeth had not been willing to execute her cousin, Mary, Queen of Scots before 1587. She was worried that killing her would
anger the Catholics even more and bring about further attempts on her own life. Until 1586, Elizabeth did not have concrete
evidence against Mary, Queen of Scots for the role that she had played in the many plots against her. As the Queen of England,
Elizabeth had to make sure that any execution of another monarch was fully legal and supported with evidence. Furthermore, Mary
still had to go on trial and a jury had to find Mary guilty of treason before any punishment could be decided. However, Elizabeth
signed the death warrant for Mary, Queen of Scots in 1587. As quickly as this was signed, Elizabeth’s parliament called for the
execution before Elizabeth could change her mind.
less would again make Elizabeth look 1586, Francis Walsingham discovered the that one of them wrongly informed
weak. REASON: NO ALTERNATIVE Mary, Queen letters which had been written between Elizabeth that the Spanish Armada was on
REASON: PLOTS of Scots was the only real legitimate Mary and Babington. In the letters it was its way to invade England and put Mary on
Mary had been involved in too many plots REASON: THE LAW alternative for the throne of England after clear that Mary had agreed to sending six the throne. This prompted Elizabeth even
against Elizabeth such as the Revolt of the In 1584, Elizabeth’s parliament persuaded Elizabeth. Executing Mary would make men to execute Elizabeth. Now, more to sign Mary’s death warrant.
Northern Earls, Ridolfi, Throckmorton and her to create a law called The Act for the sure she could not have chance to be a Walsingham had written evidence against
Babington plots. Enough was enough and Preservation of the Queen’s Safety. This Catholic Queen. Elizabeth would then not Mary to use in a trial.
as much as Elizabeth had been trying to made any attempt to threaten Elizabeth be under pressure to name her as the heir Walsingham used his skills to de-code the REASON: MARY’S IMPRISONMENT
hold off executing her own cousin, ciphers in the letters sent between Mary Elizabeth had put Mary under house arrest
an act of ‘treason’ and would result in an to the throne.
Elizabeth was left without any choice. and the plotters involved in the in several castles in England to reduce the
execution for anyone found guilty.
Throckmorton and Babington plots. It was chances of Mary attempting a revolt.
REASON: CLEAR MESSAGE The execution REASON: PERSONALITY The ongoing
REASON: EVIDENCE this evidence that uncovered the However, she always found a way to make
of Mary, Queen of Scots would send a letters between Mary and the plotters
Mary was officially found guilty of being powerful message to other Catholics plots and was then used against Mary to contact with the plotters.
showed just how determined she was to
involved with the plotters using evidence about how they might be dealt with. With take the throne of England. Mary also had accuse her of treason during her trial. REASON: PRESSURE
collected by Francis Walsingham. She was Mary dead, the threat from the Pope and nothing to lose after being forced out of Elizabeth had pressure to execute Mary
put on trial and found guilty of the crime of other Catholics would drastically reduce Scotland. Executing Mary was the only way from most of her Protestant government,
high treason (the attempt to murder a REASON: ELIZABETH’S PARLIAMENT Francis Walsingham and her Privy Council.
and the Protestant faith would survive in to stop this.
monarch). In law, execution was the only England. Elizabeth’s close advisors and Knowing how indecisive Elizabeth was with
REASON: FRANCIS WALSINGHAM In her decision making, once Elizabeth had
punishment that could be given – anything parliament were so keen to execute Mary,
 agreed to the execution, parliament
arranged the execution quickly. This gave ❑ The execution of Mary, Queen of Scots
Elizabeth no opportunity to change her left England without an heir as Elizabeth
mind. In this way, Elizabeth’s own had no children. This might make England
government were responsible for the more likely to be invaded.
execution. ❑ The execution further angered Spain.
The Spanish were already angry with
Elizabeth for helping the Protestants in the
Netherlands.
REASON: ELIZABETH’S PERSONALITY
❑ Catholics in England would be more
Elizabeth had been sympathetic towards
determined to support a plot
Mary for a long time and hesitated to have
her executed. After the Babington Plot against Elizabeth.
❑ Mary’s execution clearly showed that
Elizabeth’s sympathy ran out when
Elizabeth wanted to remove the Catholic
Walsingham was able to show her clear
faith from England. This would make her
evidence against Mary.
even more of an enemy to the Pope.

REASON: MARY’S POPULARITY

As long as Mary, Queen of Scots was alive,
This
angry Catholics in England would be more has
likely to plot against Elizabeth. Her death
would stop her being a figurehead of the
really
counter reformation and leader for the
Catholics.
REASON: SPANISH LINKS
Elizabeth had been making enemies with
annoyed
Philip II and it was clear that Spain were
becoming more likely to invade England.
Removing Mary would take away the most me now
obvious Catholic monarch Spain could put
in control after their invasion.
Why was executing Mary a risk?
LESSON 14: The tension between England and Spain - The events in the Netherlands

We should already know that the Spanish had taken control of the Netherlands before Elizabeth became Queen of England. It’s also
worth remembering how close the Netherlands was (and is) to Protestant England. As the Netherlands was now controlled by Spain,
it meant it was also Catholic. However, there were still many people from the Netherlands who were Protestant and Elizabeth
offered to ‘indirectly’ help these Protestants fight against the Spanish. At no point however, did Elizabeth officially send an English
army into the Netherlands to fight against the Spanish as she wanted to avoid a war as much as possible.
Spanish Inquisition was a religious group who set about
finding anyone who was not Catholic and then arresting,
The Events in the Netherlands 1558 - 1570 torturing or burning them alive.
❑ We know that by 1566 and in response to the Spanish
Inquisition, there was a ‘Dutch Revolt’ against the Spanish.
❑ We know that by 1567, to stop the Dutch Revolt, King
❑ We know that in 1560, Spain had brought in the idea of the Spanish Inquisition to the Netherlands. The
Philip II of Spain sent over the strict Catholic Duke of Alba with 10,000 men to stop the Revolt. The Dutch ❑ In the same year (1576) The Spanish soldiers were that angered that an agreement was even drawn up
Revolt had been defeated by 1568. called the Pacification of Ghent. The Pacification of Ghent demanded that the Spanish troops should be
❑ In 1568, The Duke of Alba set up another organisation nicknamed the ‘Council of Blood’ which made sure expelled from the Netherlands, that Protestants should no longer to attacked and that Spain should no longer
that people were fully obedient to the Catholic faith. This put thousands of Protestants to death and many to have control of the Netherlands. This was amazing news for Elizabeth who sent £100,000 to help the
flee to England. Protestant troops in the Netherlands keep their power. Not only this but the Spanish actually agreed to
❑ One group who decided to flee to England were called the Sea Beggars. Elizabeth promised to keep them withdraw troops from the Netherlands.
safe in England. This made it clear that Elizabeth was taking sides with the Protestants. ❑ However, just six months after agreeing to the Pacification of Ghent, in 1577, Spain sent troops back to the
❑ Also in 1568, a large sum of money called the Genoese Loan was on its way from Italy to the Netherlands Netherlands. Elizabeth responded by sending an experienced soldier called Jon Casimir enough money to pay
to help pay for the Spanish soldiers there. However, while the Italian ships stayed on English shores, for an army of 6,000 English volunteer soldiers to ‘unofficially’ help the Dutch Protestants fight the Spanish.
Elizabeth ordered her men to take the Genoese Loan from Spanish ships. However, this was not enough to stop Spain taking control of the Netherlands again. Most historians agree
Tension between England and Spain in the Netherlands 1570s and 1580s that if Elizabeth had sent more money and a fully trained, official English army to the Netherlands, the
Spanish would not have re-gained control of the Netherlands.
❑ In 1581, and now that the Spanish were back in the Netherlands, Elizabeth asked the French Duke of
Elizabeth continued to indirectly and unofficially help the Protestants in the Netherlands by Alencon for help. Again, she sent money (£70,000) to help him but did not send any English troops. This
sending them money. She could not afford to send a full English army to the Netherlands and attempt to remove the Spanish failed. Not only that it just angered the Spanish even more that Elizabeth had
involved France in her attacks against them.
she
❑ The Duke of Alencon tried to remove the Spanish from the Netherlands again in 1582 but again failed.
did not want to risk a full on war with the Spanish at this time. Most of the time, she tried to ❑ Things became worse for Elizabeth when in June 1584, the Duke of Alencon died. Not only that, but the
indirectly help the Protestants against the Catholic Spanish. leader of the Protestants in the Netherlands, William of Orange was assassinated in the same year. This
removed the two best hopes Elizabeth had to remove the Spanish.
❑ In 1584, things got even worse for Elizabeth. Spain officially formed an alliance with the French called the
❑ In 1570, Elizabeth offered the promise of a marriage to the future king of France, the French Duke of Treaty of Joinville. It made Spain more powerful and it meant two powerful Catholic countries were now
Alencon. By doing this, she was hoping that she could gain another ally – France and this would worry Spain.
allied against Protestant England. It also meant that France were helping the Spanish in the Netherlands
The Duke of Alencon was keen to fight against the Spanish and so Elizabeth was able to take advantage of
rather than England.
this.
❑ Finally, in 1585, as the Spanish had their own alliance with the French, Elizabeth signed her own alliance
❑ However, the Duke of Alencon was not needed as by 1576, the Spanish government in the Netherlands
with the Protestants in the Netherlands. This alliance between England and the Netherlands was called the
were running out of money. Despite all the riches being brought back from the New World, they could not
Treaty of Nonsuch.
cope with the constant fighting in the Netherlands. In fact, the Spanish troops there were not being paid. As a
❑ It seemed that the tension was even greater between England and Spain and that events in the
result, they refused to and went on a violent rampage through the Netherlands. This was known as the
Netherlands would continue.
Spanish Fury. The violence by the Spanish troops, especially in a city called Antwerp meant that both
Protestants and Catholics came together against Spanish rule.
LESSON 15: To explain why there was a growing tension between England and Spain in the 1570s and 1580s?

Background:
The relationship between England and Spain had been getting worse since Elizabeth’s Religious Settlement as well as her helping the Protestant Dutch rebels fight
against the Spanish in the Netherlands. Throughout the 1570s and 1580s, the King of Spain, Philip II was increasingly angered by the actions of Elizabeth. Apart from
the events in the Netherlands (which we will examine next lesson), let’s have a look at exactly why tension grew between England and Spain in these years.
and controlled important sea ports there. This meant that any other ❑ Also, in 1582, The Spanish had managed to conquer the land next
country who wanted to explore and trade in the New World needed a to it - Portugal. This sent a very strong message to England that
Rivals in Trade & Exploration special license from Spain to do this. However, Spain were not willing Spain’s empire was becoming more powerful and wealthier. Portugal
to give their rival England a licence. was a key country as it offered Spain even more access to the sea as
❑ Throughout the 1500s England and Spain found new countries ❑ Tension increased as English merchants (traders) ignored Spain’s much of its land was next to the coast of the Atlantic Ocean.
around the world to trade with and explore further for goods and
rules and traded goods illegally without a license. At no point did The Actions of ‘Sir’ Francis Drake
resources. In particular, European explorers had discovered new
Elizabeth criticise the English sailors who did this but encouraged it.
lands in modern day South and North America. They called this land
❑ Some English merchants even attacked Spanish ports and ships in ❑ Francis Drake was a famous Elizabethan explorer, privateer and
the ‘The New World’. The money which could be made there from merchant (a person who traded goods from abroad). He was keen to
the New World to try and gain the upper hand. Some merchants
trade was enormous. The New World offered goods such as tobacco,
simply stole from the Spanish as acts of piracy. Philip II could not sit find goods in the New World to bring back to England and eager to
sugar cane, and it had Vast amounts of silver. impress Elizabeth.
back and ignore this challenge to his wealth in the New World.
❑ Spain had already claimed much of the New World as their own
❑ Drake was very popular with Elizabeth as his goods made huge sums further humiliated Spain who also saw themselves as a great sea fairing result of the many Catholic plots against her – all of which were
of money for her and anyone else who invested in his voyages. She saw nation. Drake became a national hero and showed England’s strength. supported by Spain.
him as a grand ‘Privateer’ - a sailor who was given permission from the From this voyage, it is estimated that Drake returned to England in 1580 ❑ Spain showed constant support for all of the major plots against
government to trade and make money for England. with around 400,000 of Spanish treasure. Elizabeth. Philip II offered money and troops to help the plots such as
❑ However, the Spanish had little respect for Drake and a very different ❑ The Spanish were angered even more when Elizabeth rewarded Drake the Revolt of the Northern Earls, the Ridolfi Plot, the Throckmorton Plot
opinion of him. They saw him as a simple ‘pirate’ who stole from their for his raiding expeditions by knighting him on board his famous ship and the Babington Plot.
ships. The Golden Hind in 1580. This was a very public stunt to show Drake’s ❑ She also introduced new anti-Catholic Laws. ❑ Spain strongly
❑ In 1570 he captured Spanish ships in the New World and stole their power and Philip II was outraged by Elizabeth giving him the title Sir believed the Protestant faith should be stamped out and tension grew
goods. He returned to England with a cargo of Spanish treasures. Francis Drake in a public ceremony intended to annoy the Spanish. as Philip gained support from Pope Pius V. Pius V publicly supported
❑ In 1572, he captured £40,000 worth of Spanish silver. The simple fact Religious Rivalry any Spanish plans to attack England. He issued an official religious order
that Elizabeth had supported Drake with this caused even more tension called a Papal Bull which formally ‘excommunicated’ Elizabeth from the
with Spain. ❑ Since the Religious Settlement in 1559, Catholic countries in Europe Catholic Church. This meant that the Catholics in England no longer had
❑ In 1577, Elizabeth then gave Drake secret orders to attack Spanish had demanded a Counter Reformation - England to return to the to obey her.
ships and ports and gave him 100,000 crowns to support this. The Catholic faith. ❑ In 1570, Pope Pius gave a public statement about Elizabeth which
Spanish were made to feel weak and humiliated by Drake’s actions as ❑ Elizabeth had imprisoned her cousin and Catholic figurehead Mary, said: ‘Elizabeth, Queen of England... is the servant of wickedness... This
well as angered. Queen of Scots in England. Spain saw this as a direct threat to the woman, having seized the kingdom of England has reduced it into a
❑ This 1577 voyage also became a famous as Drake became the first Catholic religion. miserable and ruinous condition.’
sailor to circumnavigate the world (travel all the way around). This ❑ Elizabeth increased her attacks against Catholics in England as a ❑ The Pope now gave full backing to
head!
Drake raided Spanish ships throughout the 1570s. The Spanish labelled him Spain for any attack they planned
a pirate and gave him the nickname of ‘El Draque’ meaning ‘The Dragon’. on England which resulted in
Philip offered a reward of 20,000 ducats (the Spanish currency) for Drake’s angering Elizabeth further.
LESSONS 16: To explain why Elizabeth’s involvement in the Netherlands caused
tension with Spain after 1585.

Until 1585, Elizabeth had been only indirectly supporting the Protestant rebels in the Netherlands who were trying to defeat the Spanish. She had provided support with money, protected
Protestant fighters called the ‘Sea Beggars’ in English ports. Elizabeth had also supported privateers such as Francis Drake to capture Spanish silver and gold in the New World in the hope it
would weaken Spain and encourage them to leave the Netherlands. However, in 1585, Elizabeth decided to directly support the Protestants in the Netherlands by sending in her own English
troops. This now put England and Spain directly at war with each other. The aim was to push the Spanish out of the Netherlands to restore the Protestant faith there. However, this proved very
difficult for the man she put in charge - Robert Dudley.
❑ Elizabeth did not want to take charge as she still hoped to a captured port
Elizabeth takes action! negotiate (talk) with Spain. ❑ Elizabeth did not give Robert Dudley
enough money, men or supplies to fight effectively against the
❑ In 1585, Protestants from the Netherlands came to England to
Spanish.
offer Elizabeth the chance to become Queen of the Netherlands.
❑ However, it was too risky to accept this offer. it would mean
removing the King of Spain, Philip II from his control of the
Netherlands. Elizabeth did not want to risk a war.

❑ Elizabeth could not control Robert Dudley once he was in the

The Treaty of Nonsuch 1585 Netherlands. Dudley made a foolish mistake by accepting the title of
❑ Instead, Elizabeth decided to sign an agreement with the ‘Governor General in the Netherlands
Netherlands called the Treaty of Nonsuch. This made the of the Netherlands’ without getting Elizabeth’s permission first. This back to the Spanish.
Netherlands and England allies. also ❑ Dudley did not defeat the Spanish in the Netherlands or stand up
England’s Time in the Netherlands was a Failure – angered Philip II who was meant to be in charge of the Netherlands – to the
WHY? not Dudley. ❑ One English sea captain, even changed sides and gave
 ❑ Elizabeth had to call Robert Dudley back from the Netherlands in
1587 because of his poor actions.
Robert Dudley’s main success
Dudley did managed to stop the Spanish Duke of Parma from
taking a key deep water port in the Netherlands called Ostend.
It was important as the large ships used for the Spanish
invasion of England depended on this deep water port to help
re-supply. Not being able to use Ostend, was a key factor in
the defeating the Armada.

strong Spanish leader, the Duke of Parma.

❑ It was a response to Spain and France signing a similar treaty, the Treaty of Joinville a 1587.
year earlier.
Drake’s attack on Cadiz ‘The singeing of the King of Spain’s beard’ in
harbour in southern Spain. This was attempt an invasion until 1588, by
Spain’s most important port. which time Elizabeth had prepared.
Drake still active in the New World ❑ • Over 3 days, he destroyed 30 ships ❑ It was a humiliation for
Elizabeth also sent Sir Francis Drake to raid more and most of the ships supplies.
Spanish ships in the New World. The aim was to Spain and showed the
• He then spent the next few weeks
disrupt Spanish wealth and trade. strength of the English navy.
attacking the Spanish coast of Portugal. • Drake’s
❑ This angered Philip so much that he told the Pope attack was known as the ‘Singeing of the King of
in 1585 that he planned to invade England. Spain’s beard’ because of how humiliating it was
for the Spanish and their king.
The Consequences of Drake’s attack on
Elizabeth’s Action in the Netherlands Cadiz
❑ Elizabeth paid for an army of 7,400 English troops ❑ Spain were not able to build the
to help the Netherlands fight the Spanish. ❑ The invading armada while the
leader she put in charge of these troops was to be
attack was in progress.
her close advisor, Robert Dudley.
❑ The disruption to Cadiz put the
• Spain was already preparing its invasion of
England with an armada (an invasion fleet of
Spanish invasion back a year to
ships). give Elizabeth time to plan.
• In March 1587, Elizabeth ordered Francis Drake ❑ It meant that Spain did not
to attack Spain’s navy.
• In April 1587, he sailed
into Cadiz
LESSONS 17: To
explain the causes of
the Spanish Armada
invasion in 1588 and the features of the invasion.

Background:
You may be asked a question which simply asks you to ‘describe the features’ of Spain’s invasion plan of England in 1588. For this, it will be useful to remember
specific historical facts such as names, dates, places, people, and statistics. However, you may also be asked to EXPLAIN the reasons for the Spanish invasion in
1588. Here, you MUST remember to use phrases such as ‘This caused the invasion because’ or ‘This meant Philip launched an attack as’.
 The main aim of Philip’s invasion
❑ To remove Elizabeth from the throne of England. ❑ To replace
Reasons for the Spanish invasion of England in 1588 Elizabeth with a Catholic monarch and
RELIGION POLITICS
✓ Philip was determined to make England a
✓ Spain now had the support of France for the
Catholic country again.
invasion after they became allies with the Treaty of
✓ Philip was angered at the increasing tough laws Joinville in 1584. Spain could use ports in France
FEATURES OF THE SPANISH
on Catholics in England after Elizabeth’s Religious
Settlement.
such as Calais INVASION PLANS
restore England to the Catholic faith.
✓ Philip was influenced by the ✓ Despite time to compromise, 30,000 men in total to
support and encouragement of it was clear that neither side invade.
the Pope. were willing to back down
✓ The Pope had promised to peacefully. War seemed the only
forgive the sins of all those who option left.
took part in the armada. ✓ Elizabeth always hesitated to
✓ The Pope offered Philip a fully support the Dutch
reward if he was successful. Protestants. This showed
✓ Spain had already supported weakness & gave the Spanish
plots to remove Elizabeth but more confidence of victory.
they had failed. This was
another more direct
opportunity. ECONOMIC
✓ Elizabeth had been helping
the Dutch Protestants in the 2431 guns on
Netherlands. Philip ordered board the ships.
130 ships.

GEOGRAPHICAL
To march
✓ Spain now had control of Under the
Portugal which gave Philip command of on London
access to more ships The Duke of and remove
Elizabeth.
to take on more supplies. Medina
✓ Philip was angered when
Sidonia.
Elizabeth signed the Treaty of
Nonsuch with the Netherlands
in 1585 which effectively made
the two countries enemies.
27,000 troops to
✓ Successfully invading England To sail up the land in England
would give Spain even more English Channel to the and march to
power with a bigger empire. Netherlands, London.
and ports for an invasion. their attack of England as well as their
✓ The Spanish leader, the Duke of more confidence for an invasion. supplies of
Parma had been successful in the silver and
Netherlands. This gave the Spanish ✓ Drake’s attacks on Spanish ships in gold. This
another country they could use in the New World left Spain without angered Philip greatly. ✓ Drake’s attack on Cadiz also
caused the loss of Spanish treasure meet the Duke of Parma and London. in the
as well as being a huge humiliation then sail to
for Philip. To gain more supplies and men Netherlands.

LESSONS 17/18: To explain the reasons for the English victory against the Spanish Armada in 1588.

Why were the Spanish were defeated in 1588? As always with any question about the causes of an event, make sure you clearly
EXPLAIN your reason. For a 16 mark question you may have to then think about which factor would have played the biggest role
in the English victory against the Spanish Armada. Can you argue your case strongly in support of the reason you have chosen?
Planning for invasion
The Spanish
The Spanish The Spanish
Ship Design Tactics
• The Spanish ships were slower to • Drake’s raid on Cadiz put the planning for the invasion • Many Spanish ships cut their anchors in
turn. • Loading cannons was slow due back a year. the storms and were sent off track.
to • The Spanish wanted to meet with the Duke of Parma in The English
little space on deck. the Netherlands but this did not happen. • At the famous Battle of Gravelines,
The English • It took 2 days for supplies to be taken on board the Spanish the English sent in fire ships to
• Elizabeth ordered new ships to be ships from smaller boats in the Netherlands. break up the Spanish fleet. This
built that were bigger and faster. • There were over 118 Spanish Catholic priests on board the tactic created panic amongst the
• The English built new ships called galleons. They ships with little experience of fighting. Spanish who had to cut their
were easier and faster to turn in battle. • English • The Spanish had been at sea for 10 weeks before they anchors and flee.
canons could be quickly re-loaded could fire more reached the English Channel. They were low on energy and
cannon balls. morale.
• The English canons could fire further. • The Spanish did not know how to deal with the English
• Food was stored in barrels made of poor quality wood. fire ships or better canon
Food supplies rotted quickly. power.

Decision making Communication The weather….luck!

Weapons Leadership at Sea
trying to take charge of the invasion Spanish were first the coastline well.
Philip plans herself. spotted. This quickly The Spanish
• Philip ignore the advice he was The Spanish informed Francis Drake in Plymouth • The Spanish had poor quality
given from his commanders. • The Spanish were meant to tell the that his ships needed to be ready. canon balls and too few of them.
Duke of Parma when they were about The Spanish The English
Elizabeth to arrive in the Netherlands. This took • The Spanish were not used to • The English were able to fire 6
• Elizabeth listened to her naval over a week and gave the English the English weather or coastline. • of sending out fire ships (ships on times the number of
experts. more time to prepare. The Spanish struggled in the storms. fire) to break up the Spanish canon balls and
• She put Francis Drake in charge & The English The English formation. from a longer
trusted his decisions rather than • A set of fire beacons were lit along • The strong winds heading towards • The English were used to fighting in distance.
the coastline of England when the the Spanish, gave the English to idea poor weather conditions and knew The Spanish
 The Duke of Medina Sidonia did not little experience and was sea sick. Francis Drake and the other experienced and respected in
want to lead the invasion. He had The English commanders were some of the most Europe.
LESSON 19 Education in Elizabethan Society
The features of and the attitude towards

During the reign of Elizabeth I, education became more important and attitudes towards education became more positive. The period also saw key changes to
education, especially for the wealthy. However, the Elizabethan people still lived in a very strict social hierarchy where everyone had their place. There was no social
mobility, where a person would be able to move into a higher class if they worked hard enough. The education a person received simply prepared them for the life
they were expected to lead. For most children, this involved important practical skills with some basic literacy. Only a very small percentage of children and boys in
particular would received a formal education. Few girls, even in the more wealthy parts of society received education.
private tutor. They could learn a variety of subjects such as foreign languages, History, Philosophy and
Theology (religion). As Elizabeth was a highly educated queen, many noble families made sure their
Why did Education Change during this time? daughters were educated too – this way Elizabeth was an influence on education. Girls learned the skills
expected of upper class women such as dancing, music, horse riding and needlework. When they were old
HUMANISM enough, girls would be sent to spend time in another noble household where they would begin to socialise
There was a new and fashionable idea called Humanism. These people, called humanists believed that and then hopefully meet a future husband. The noble boys were taught more ‘male’ related skills such as
learning was an important part of life for everyone in society. They believed that better education would stopfencing, wrestling and swimming. After the age of around 7,
people from being so superstitious (believing in witchcraft and magic) and encouraged people to question boys were often sent to another noble household to finish their education. As the sons would inherit their
and understand the world around them in a more open minded way. Their ideas spread to make education father’s titles, the boys would learn how to become future noblemen and be expected to learn from the
more important. other noblemen around them.

RELIGION
Elizabeth’s Religious Settlement had made sure the bible was now written in English (not Latin) so that it was
easier for people in England to understand it. This motivated more people to learn how to read so that they
could read the bible for themselves. Reading the bible in English was also a more Protestant method of
worship which would support her Religious Settlement even more and result in less demand for Catholic
priests.

INCREASING TRADE
With towns and ports growing, there was a need for more people to be literate and educated in arithmetic
(Maths) so they could trade, run their business and communicate with other businesses. This encouraged
more people to gain an education – especially men.
Education for the Older Nobility - University
THE PRINTING PRESS
Better printing press machines were developed to reproduce books. This made books a little cheaper and
Many boys from the nobility (and some from the middle classes) could go on to study at a university. Even
more available to the wealthier classes. Books were printed about a number of subjects such as philosophy,
though girls had home education when they were young, their aim in life would be to marry into another
mathematics, religion, medicine & law.
noble family with the role of being a wife. This meant that no girls attended university. Elizabethan England
only had two universities – Oxford and Cambridge. However, both of these universities were growing bigger
It’s important to remember that for most of the poorer parts of society, education was limited. In and they were made up of different colleges. For example, in 1571, Queen Elizabeth founded a college in
rural areas, farming remained a way of life and little changed at all. Oxford called Jesus College specifically to educate Welsh boys.
Education for the Younger Nobility – Home Education
At this time, a young person would start university at the age of 14
or 15. Subjects would include Geometry, Music, Astronomy,
Boys and many girls of the nobility were taught in their home or the homes of other wealthy families by a Philosophy, Medicine and Law. Another respected subject was
Rhetoric. This taught the art of public speaking and persuasion and to educate more Protestant Clergyman. This way, she believed, it
was mainly aimed at those boys who may wish to have a career in would increase the number of well educated Protestant Clergymen
politics. who were needed after the removal of so many Catholic priests.
This in turn would make sure England remained a Protestant
Elizabeth saw the two universities as highly important as she wanted country.

LESSONS 19 The features of and the attitude towards Education in Elizabethan Society
to 7 years old. Boys were educated in a teacher’s home. at break times and could even be excluded.
❑ Boys who parents could afford to send them would go here. They University Apprenticeships
would learn reading and writing in English as well as basic arithmetic
Young Middle Class Girls - Dame Schools (maths). ❑ Punishments were harsh and beatings for poor behaviour or
not achieving well enough were common.
Middle Class Boys – Grammar Schools ❑ Some grammar schools ran an alternative curriculum for the sons of
❑ Dame Schools were the only merchants (those involved in trade), craftsmen and yeomen. This
schools focussed on more practical academic subjects such as Literacy,
specifically set up for girls. They Arithmetic and
would ❑ Grammar schools were private schools set up for wealthy, bright boys Geography.
provide a basic education such as – mainly from the towns. Once middle class boys had been at Petty ❑ There were also Grammar schools for the children of craftsmen and
reading and writing in English and School, they moved on to a Grammar School at around the age of 7 or yeomen farmers, but most of their education would be in the form of a
they 8. 42 Grammar schools were formed in the 1560s by 1577, every major university apprenticeship where they would learn the skills that were
would be run by a local, educated town in England had a grammar school. This meant there were more needed to run the family business or farm.
woman in their own home. schools in Elizabethan England than there had ever been before. ❑ For most children in the middle orders, whether they went to school
❑ Women were simply expected to ❑ Families would pay a fee for a place at a grammar school but this was or not depended on if their family could cope without them to help
go based on how wealthy the boy’s family were and so some families with the family trade. As school was not compulsory, there was no legal
from being under the control of would pay more than others. There were also some very bright, lower school leaving age.
their class boys who attended grammar schools whose fees were paid for by
fathers to being under the control of wealthy people who left money in their wills to help those who could
their husband. For most girls, not pay for their education.
education was about learning ❑ School days were very long, beginning sometimes at 6am and lasting ❑ After attending a Petty school, the bright or well off boys would go to
important skills to be a wife and a for 10 hours. The main subjects taught would be Latin as well as a grammar school.
mother. For example, learning how to Ancient History and Philosophy. There was also time for archery, chess What Impact did Schools have?
sew, bake and treat injuries. and wrestling. Debating was an important skill taught to all boys as well
as an emphasis put on public speaking to encourage a career in ❑ Before Elizabeth’s reign, in the 1530s it was
Young Middle Class Boys - Petty Schools politics. There was also school on a Saturday morning. Expectations for Elizabethan Children based on Age, Gender and
❑ Discipline in a grammar school was strict. Boys were made monitors Class
❑ Petty Schools were run for middle class boys from the age of around 4 and had to report misbehaviour. Punishments might include corporal
punishment such as caning. Children could be placed on report, kept in
income from a very early age there was an improvement in ❑ However, for wealthy women in Noble
estimated that 20% of men and 10% education for men but not for the nobility, there was an household until late teens
of women were literate (able to women. improvement in the Middle Class Girls Noble
Labourers and Poorer Children read and opportunities for education they household until late teens
write). By the were given – perhaps inspired by Middle Class Boys Expected to marry
❑ Most people in Elizabethan end of Elizabeth herself as a highly Private Tutor until early teens
England had no formal education as Elizabeth’s respected and educated monarch.
most people were reign it was ❑ For the poor, there was still no Private Tutor until early teens Grammar
labourers (workers) or farmers. They believed that need for a School age 7-8 until 14
learned the practical skills they 30% of men Expected to marry
Noble Dame School
needed from their family, from their and 10% of Girls
homes or from working on the land. women were
University Oxford or Cambridge
❑ In most cases, children needed to literate. Petty School
Therefore, Noble Boys age 4-5 until 7-8
contribute towards the family
 Apprenticeship

University
numeracy. Lower class boys and girls were not expected to have any formal
as a way to support their family. formal education and families still needed their children to work education. They worked as soon as they were old enough.
❑ Most jobs that the poor had did not need any need fir literacy or towards the family income.

Lesson 20: Sports, entertainment, pastimes and theatre during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I

Background:
During the reign of Elizabeth I, what a person did in their leisure time would also be based on their class. The wealthier
classes
had more opportunities to learn skills and take part in organised sports. There were also more leisure opportunities for men
than women.
Taking part in sports Watching sports Literature Theatre Music & dancing

The rich were able to take part in a ALL Elizabethans enjoyed watching ❑ A lot of new literature ❑ Religion had a huge influence on Music and dancing
(the wider range of sports and would be sports such as wrestling and was written during this the growth of theatre. Before was popular with
taught how to play them by their tennis. Watching animals fight period. Elizabeth’s Religious Settlement, men and women of
gentry
family or while being educated. For was also seen as a form of Catholics all classes.
many of these, betting on the entertainment for people of all
❑ History was a popular However, the classes
, would tour the country with their
outcome of a game was very popular. classes. Large amounts of money subject. Mystery Plays. These would tell would never dance
nobilit ❑ Hunting – On horseback would be gambled on the ❑ The increasingly the story of famous Catholic together.
with dogs or birds of prey. outcome of these blood sports. exploration of the world Saints and miracles. However, Many played
y and
❑ Fishing – Enjoyed by men and also led to new Elizabeth instruments such
middl women. ❑ Bowls – Similar to the ❑ Baiting adventure stories being wanted this to end and so as lutes (similar
modern game but men only. • This involved watching animals written which captured encouraged more non-religious to a guitar) and
e ❑ Fencing – Using blunt swords fight. • The most common was people’s imaginations plays to be written. This would harpsichords
❑ Real Tennis – Played indoors bear baiting where a bear would about the world they stop the influence of the Catholic (similar to a
classe Church on the ordinary people of
by men only. It was a mix of be chained to a post and dogs set piano).
lived in. England.
s) modern day tennis and squash. against it. Wealthy families
• However, care was taken not to ❑ The printing press also ❑ The secular (non religious)
❑ Wrestling – In private. would employ their
kill bears as they were very made reading books plays were more
The own musicians to
expensive. • Special arenas were cheaper and more entertaining, funny & exciting play during meals
Ric built in London as this was such a available. for ordinary people and and feats. Books of
popular form of entertainment. ❑ Poetry and plays were very became popular. Theatre popular
h • Even the queen enjoyed watching popular with the rich. The companies increased and even music could be
this as it was still seen as a sport. • most educated people wrote the nobility bought by the rich.
❑ Football – It was the most popular Bulls were also used and attacked would help pay for them. For
poetry, including Queen
(farme game for lower class men only. It by dogs to the death. example, Elizabeth formed her
Elizabeth herself. own theatre company called ‘The
was very violent and some men
rs,
were killed during matches. The ❑ Cock-fighting ❑ Plays written for the Queen’s Men’ in 1583. The poor would
crafts aim was to get the ball to the other • Cockerels were made to theatre were going through ❑ The first purpose built theatres enjoy listening to
side’s goal like today. However: wear metal spikes around a were constructed, especially in music at fairs,
men London. The first to be built was
 • The ball could be picked up their feet revolution at the time. the Red Lion in Whitechapel. markets or
and • The number of players and trained to attack each other. ❑ The theatre was popular with all public occasions.
was not restricted. • In many towns, special arenas ❑ Literacy rates among the classes, but the seats divided the There was music at
lower
• There were no rules were built for this and huge poor were very low. rich and poor. The poor could pay the church and in
classes about tripping up other players. amounts of money would be bet ❑ The poor relied on stories a the
) • The size of the ‘pitch’ could be on the told word of mouth. penny to stand in The Pit at the taverns (pubs).
as much as between two villages. outcome. ❑ The type of work they had to front of the stage.
The ❑ Wrestling – Competed in public. do also gave them very little ❑ Women were not allowed to
time for leisure activities such as perform.
Poo reading.

LESSONS 21: ELIZABETHAN SOCIETY – To explain why there was an increase in poverty and vagabondage in Elizabethan England.

Background:
During the reign of Elizabeth I, the amount of poverty increased. Alongside this, the number of people without a home or work also
increased. This was known as vagabondage or vagrancy. The people who experienced this were called vagabonds or vagrants. The
main causes of this increase in vagrancy and poverty can be organised into the following categories: population growth, poor
harvest, the increase in sheep farming and enclosure of land. As well as being able to explain how each factor led to an increase
in poverty, you should argue which factor played the most significant role.

POPULATION GROWTH
Features of poverty in Elizabethan England became the fastest growing city in England and had a population of 150,000.
❑ There was very little help for those without work, living in poverty. For The food needed in these growing towns was grown in the countryside and so
The population grew by 35%. The population of England grew from 3 million in had to be brought in. Food prices therefore increased as there was more
1551 to 4.2 million by 1601. Most of the growth was in towns and cities. London demand for it.
many, an illness could mean With more people living in towns, less work was available and the A bigger population
starvation for them & their family. ❑ There was some help for the wages could fall. This gave people fewer opportunities for work and a also produced a
poor from ‘Poor Relief’ from the local town or ‘alms’ (charity) from lower wage could also mean less money for rent and food. bigger demand on
the church. LAND PRICES places for people to
❑ Vagrants were people without a home or regular work. They As the population grew in the countryside, the demand for land also live. Landowners took
would be given more help and sympathy by Elizabethan society. increased. Landowners took advantage of this by charging higher advantage of
❑ Vagabonds were those who committed crimes or were too lazy to rent for land. If a family could not afford this rent they would be this by increasing
find work. There was no evicted. their prices. The price of rent therefore
sympathy towards vagabonds in Elizabeth society. increased so people had less money to spend on food.
❑ The poor at this time were those who spent 80% or more of their CLOSING OF THE MONASTERIES
income on bread. The monasteries used to help the local poor by giving them handoutsSHEEP FARMING
❑ 40% of the poor in some places were under 16 years old. of food or offering shelter. After Henry VIII had closed the The trade in wool, was big profit for farmers at this time. The wool
❑ Families with mothers only, lived in more poverty as women were monasteries and with the decline of the Catholic faith, this form of trade made up 81% of all England’s export trade. Farmers began to
paid help was no longer available for the poor. farm sheep for their wool rather than grow crops for food. This
LOWER PAY caused more poverty as:
INCREASED RENT
• Keeping large flocks of sheep used up land which would have been from the local villages which was once ‘common land’. Families who
used by locals to grow food. • Farming sheep did not require as many ENCLOSURE OF LAND once lived on the land that was now enclosed would be left
workers as growing crops so more people were made unemployed. homeless.
In order for farmers to keep their animals (sheep) many began to
• Feeding the sheep meant using more land to grow food just for the
fence off the land or ‘enclose’ it. Often, this took more land away
sheep, not people. INFLATION OF FOOD PRICES
a lot less than men. which were then sold abroad. This increased earned.
❑ The type of people more likely to live in unemployment further and even led to an
POOR HARVESTS
poverty were widows, the sick, the elderly and economic recession.
During 1565 and 1562, there were
orphaned children. With less land, sheep farming, more people particularly poor harvests due to
POOR TRADE WITH SPAIN and enclosure of land, the price of food the bad weather. With less food,
Due to the tension and conflict with Spain, increased as there was less of it. It was harder prices increased further.
there was less demand for goods to be made for families to feed themselves with what they
LESSONS 22: ELIZABETHAN SOCIETY – To explain the changing attitudes
towards the poor in Elizabethan England.

Background:
There was some help for the very poor in Elizabeth England, but the government had to respond to the increasing problem of poverty, vagrancy and vagabondage. Help,
called ‘Poor Relief’ was given out and paid for by a special local tax called the poor rate. Some Elizabethans also saw helping the poor as their Christian duty. Over the
period, more help was offered for those in genuine need and the attitude towards some of the poor changed. There was a more ‘national’ approach to how the poor
were dealt with, who should be helped and who should be punished.
criminal poor were:
• Imprisonment
Features/basic facts about the Elizabeth attitude towards the poor • Publically whipped through the streets
• People were sympathetic towards those who could not work because of genuine illness or • Hanged if caught three times.
disability. • People were worried that poverty in England would lead to disorder and more Features of
crime.
• People were worried about the cost of dealing with the poor.
• People were worried as the poor were more visible around them,
especially in towns and cities.
Feature of Change
Elizabethans did not have sympathy
when… The Poor These types of h
• They believed the poor were fit to existed before
Rate
work but too lazy (called the ‘idle came to power
poor’). were allowed to
on during her re
• They believed beggars (vagabonds)
were committing crimes.
Charity This existed bef
• The believed a person was deceiving Elizabeth’s reig
or conning the public about an Monasteries us
illness in order to get money. help to the poo
were closed by
The punishments for these ‘idle’ or
 Statute of A change whic Vagabond Aimed to stop c
Artificers the poor. Act 1572 vagrants and va
using harsh pu
1563

Poor This law aimed

Relief clear which pe
in genuine ne
Act 1576 and which pe
the ‘idle’ poo
simply too laz

Lesson 23: ELIZABETHAN EXPLORATION – To explain why there was an increase in exploration in the Elizabethan period.

Background:
For those with money, the opportunity to explore the world was better than ever before during the Elizabethan era. A number of factors led to a huge increase in
exploration during this time. As with any set of causes, think about being able to clearly explain how each factor led to the increase in exploration. Then, consider which
of the factors played the most important part.

Expanding Trade Adventure New Technology

❑ The New World (the area covering the Americas) was to make a fortune and become a hero like
offering more opportunities for trade. Francis Drake.
❑ Conflict with Spain and the Netherlands had closed ❑ They were inspired by the publication of books
down some trade routes and it was vital for explorers to and diaries from explorers such as Drake and
find new places to trade with. This included areas of Raleigh. become even more accurate and longer
Africa. ❑ The development of the printing press made more lasting.
❑ Explorers and traders worked with each other to find stories of adventure available to the young men of ❑ Voyages were safer, more direct and faster as a result. ❑
these new trading locations in the New World. ❑ There the gentry and nobility who could then afford to This gave confidence to encourage further exploration to
were reports of new , exciting crops and resources in the new places from less experienced sailors.
New World which could make money in ❑ Quadrants and astrolabes were able to calculate a ship’s
position using the stars more accurately. These
calculations could be written down and printed in books.
❑ Young, Elizabeth men were inspired to go ❑ Navigation equipment was developed to
on voyages of discovery and adventure hoping

Improved Weapons
England. take their own journeys of exploration.
Printing Press & Maps
number of explorers being able to use these maps on their travels. ❑ As maps
❑ Improved navigation then led to more accurate maps. ❑ In 1569,
were now printed and not hand copied, all maps were standardised (the same)
the first map with longitude and latitude was published. ❑ The
development of the printing press further developed the
 sides of the ships in case of attack and were able to fire
further than the canons from other countries – even the
Spanish.
❑ The ships could defend as well as attack if needed. ❑ This
which again led to more reliable journeys.
was key during the tension with the Spanish in
❑ The new galleons designed by John Hawkins had bigger and
the New World.
stronger decks for guns. Canons could be fired from both

The Slave Trade Ship Design

Investment
❑ It was not just in the New World where explorers began ❑ Galleons were developed which were much larger funded new voyages of discovery. They knew the
to trade. Slave Traders had discovered they could trade and more stable than previous ship designs. ❑ rewards could be enormous and wanted the power and
their guns in West Africa for slaves. Galleons could hold more cargo and were much the glory that this gave.
❑ These slaves could then be taken to the New World and better for longer journeys to the New World and ❑ Elizabeth had seen how rich Spain had become from its
used to grow exotic crops such as sugar, spices, coffee journeys of exploration. trading in the New World from tobacco, sugar and
and tobacco. ❑ Ships were easier to manoeuvre which also made exotic crops and so was willing to spend huge amounts
❑ John Hawkins was one slave trader who helped develop them safer (to avoid pirate attacks) and gave to explore further.
this trade further and influenced others who saw his sailors more confidence at sea. ❑ Goods brought back could then fund the government
success. He made huge fortunes from the slave trade. too.
❑ Rich, private investors, including Elizabeth herself,
Lesson 24: ELIZABETHAN EXPLORATION – Drake’s Circumnavigation of the globe (1577-1580).

Francis Drake and his crew took 3 years to circumnavigate the world. However, he did not set out with the aim of being the first Englishman to sail around the world. His main
focus was to raid Spanish colonies and ships in the New World. The voyage almost ended in disaster. Setting out with 5 ships, by the time Drake reached the Pacific Ocean in
1578, he only had one ship left – The Golden Hind. Drake had even executed one of his sailors, who he accused of mutiny (helping the Spanish)! By 1580, only 56 men had
survived on board the Gold Hind and returned to England. For his achievement he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth I on board The Golden Hind before he took a key role in
the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588. This achievement had a significant impact and influenced many other voyages of exploration. It also sent a powerful message to the
Spanish about the quality of the English navigators at the time.
The Importance of Drake’s Circumnavigation of the World
Why did Drake Circumnavigate the globe?
of a voyage like this to the New World. Many people place called St Juan in the New World. The English
• POLITICAL GAIN OVER SPAIN were willing to invest in Drake’s voyage with the • FOR REVENGE fleet were devastated and 325 English sailors were
Carrying out such an achievement of hope of making a huge amount of money. The Drake wanted revenge for a Spanish attack on his killed. Drake and Hawkins returned to England with
circumnavigating the world sent a powerful message voyage made his investors very rich from the fleet in 1567. Drake and John Hawkins were on their only 15 sailors.
out to the Spanish about the power and reputation treasure and foreign goods which he brought back. third transatlantic voyage from Africa to the New It Angered the Spanish ❑ Drake’s attack on
of the English in the world. Drake’s treasure haul was worth 500 million in World. The Spanish, were angry with Drake for Spanish ships and his looting of their resources led to
today’s money. Elizabeth I herself was willing to attempting to destroy the Spanish monopoly the further decline of Anglo-Spanish relationships.
• TO GAIN WEALTH invest in his voyage in the knowledge that great (control) of trading in the New World. The Spanish ❑ Elizabeth’s knighting of Drake for his actions, on
There was a huge amount of money to be made out wealth could be made for her country. therefore attacked Drake and Hawkins’ ships at a board the Golden Hind
clearly showed Elizabeth’s support for what he had performed a ceremony that made Drake the leader of 3,000 miles north up the coast of America. He wrote
done. Phillip II was said to be furious with Elizabeth their land. down his amazing tales of great wealth including
knighting Drake who he saw as a pirate. ❑ Drake named the land Nova Albion (New England) precious metals such as silver and lumps of gold.
and declared Elizabeth its Queen. ❑ He spoke of red sheep and rabbits and also acts of
Encouraged more exploration ❑ This encouraged other English sailors to conquer cannibalism being practiced by the Native American
❑ Drake and his crew travelled up the coast of any land that had not already been taken. For people who killed and then ate their sick. These tales
America. and collected very useful example, Sir Humphry Gilbert set off to North America actually encouraged more
and fascinating information about what they saw in in 1578 to colonise land for England.
detailed logs and maps. ❑ However, the rights of the Native Indians were not
❑ Drake’s logs were an inspiration to other sailors thought about and this eventually led to their decline.
and explorers to find out more about the Americas
knowing that they could survive like Drake did. Drake became a hero
❑ Drake’s ship, the Golden Hind was only 1 of 5 ships
The Reputation of the English ❑ Drake
to survive and Drake was only one of 56 remaining
became famous as this was only the second crew in
men who returned. ❑ His voyage, and the stories that
History to have achieved the circumnavigation and the exploration.
came from it made Drake a hero and inspiration to
first ever English circumnavigation. ❑ It improved the
others who heard about his adventure.
English morale (made them feel better and more
motivated), especially at a time when their
relationship with Spain was poor. ❑ It gave English
sailors a great
reputation as the best in the world.

New English Land – Nova Albion

❑ In 1579, The Golden Hind needed repairing and
Davy Ingram
❑ One of the most famous accounts from the voyage
reached west coast of America. They met Native
was from explorer Davy Ingram. Ingram walked over
Americans who treated the sailors well and they even
LESSON 25: ELIZABETHAN EXPLORATION – To explain why Walter Raleigh attempted to colonise Virginia (1584-5).

With support and encouragement from Elizabeth I, Sir Walter Raleigh organised a voyage to colonise an area of North America named Virginia (named after Elizabeth,
‘The Virgin Queen’). Raleigh was born into rich landowning family of the gentry. He was known for bringing back tobacco and making it popular in England. Raleigh did
not go on the voyage to Virginia himself, but he helped fund and plan the colonisation. Importantly, he had to find volunteers to leave England and settle in North
America. The Virginia Project aimed to settle English people in a community in Virginia with the aim of being able to expand English territory abroad and also develop its
trading ability. Raleigh wasn’t part of the exhibition himself as Queen Elizabeth thought he was too important to risk on the long voyage. However, previous attempts to
do this by explorer Sir Humphrey Gilbert had failed and unfortunately, this attempted colonisation also failed. This lesson will examine the planning for the voyage and
colonisation as well as explain why it failed.
The Organisation and Planning of the Virginia Project
The First Stages of the Colonisation
Supplies Ships Timing
Sending out a Fact Finding Voyage
Raleigh first sent a team to Virginia to return to England, the team reported that exhibition to Virginia also brought back having the support of Manteo and
investigate the Native Indians who lived Virginia was like a ‘paradise’ and that the two Native American Indians called Wanchese would help the colonists make
in this part of North America. The native people there were very friendly. Manteo and Wanchese. Manteo and contact with other Natives in order to
relationship between the English and the This was important as it gave Raleigh the Raising Money for the Colonisation Wanchese were also used to promote trade with and find workers..
Native Americans (the people who opportunity to promote Virginia in a The use of Manteo and Wanchese the Virginia Project. They helped English
originally lived on the land) was friendly. positive way to persuade people to live As well as bringing back exotic goods and explorers learn some of the Native
They exchanged English goods for food there. foods to show off, the fact finding American language and they were also Persuading people to leave England
from the native Americans. On their taught some English. It was hoped that
Raleigh used the findings from the ‘fact enough to carry all of the colonists and the winter.
their ❑ Arriving too late or growing the
The colonists needed enough: wrong crops would cause problems.
supplies.
❑ Food to get across the long voyage
❑The ships needed to have weapons in
over the
case of attack by the Spanish or pirates.
❑The ships needed to be strong enough
to survive the voyage.

Atlantic.
❑ Fresh water and drink for the voyage.
❑ Farming tools and seeds ❑ Animals
such as chickens to use as food
❑ Weapons for the voyage and the Spain
colonisation.
Spain controlled a lot of People
❑ They had to reach Virginia during a
❑They needed enough ships which were
big time of year when they could grow
crops that would help them survive over

Elizabeth refused to fund this voyage on her own – she needed to think about the funds she might need to potentially fight against the Spanish now that tensions with Spain
were high. However, she did give Raleigh a ship, gunpowder worth £400 and her official royal backing. This royal backing is what attracted other wealthy people to invest in
the project to colonise Virginia. Raleigh also had to invest money of his own to find the voyage to Virginia. Anyone who invested their own money in the colonisation would
hope to gain money back from the trading opportunities it would give in the long term.
finding’ trip to persuade a group of English men to make the dangerous and long voyage to Virginia across the Atlantic Ocean. These people were led to believe they could
find their fortune and live in a ‘paradise’. They had to be people who were willing to leave their life in England and live in Virginia permanently.

the land and sea around Virginia. This meant that they would need to safely find a route
through without being attacked by the Spanish. They also needed
soldiers on board to protect the colonists from any Spanish attack.

❑ Raleigh believed he needed 300 colonists with a variety of skills to first reach Virginia and then survive. He listed hunters, farmers, soldiers and stone masons (to build forts).
❑ He chose Richard Grenville as his Expedition Leader. He was an experienced sailor as well as an experienced soldier
❑ Ralph Lane was chosen to be the Governor of Virginia (a soldier and an expert fort builder).
❑ Thomas Harriot had worked with Manteo and Wanchese and understood their language, as well as being skilled at map making. He too was taken on the voyage.
LESSON 25: ELIZABETHAN EXPLORATION – To explain why Walter Raleigh attempted to colonise Virginia (1584-5).
With support and encouragement from Elizabeth I, Sir Walter Raleigh organised a voyage to colonise an area of North America named Virginia (named after Elizabeth,
‘The Virgin Queen’). Raleigh was born into rich landowning family of the gentry. He was known for bringing back tobacco and making it popular in England. Raleigh did
not go on the voyage to Virginia himself, but he helped fund and plan the colonisation. Importantly, he had to find volunteers to leave England and settle in North
America. The Virginia Project aimed to settle English people in a community in Virginia with the aim of being able to expand English territory abroad and also develop its
trading ability. Raleigh wasn’t part of the exhibition himself as Queen Elizabeth thought he was too important to risk on the long voyage. However, previous attempts to
do this by explorer Sir Humphrey Gilbert had failed and unfortunately, this attempted colonisation also failed. This lesson will examine the planning for the voyage and
colonisation as well as explain why it failed.
The Organisation and Planning of the Virginia Project
The First Stages of the Colonisation
the As well as bringing back exotic goods and foods to Timing
Sending out a Fact Finding Voyage The use of Manteo and Wanchese Supplies Ships The colonists needed
Raleigh first sent a team to Virginia to investigate
American Indians called Manteo and to survive the voyage.
Native Indians who lived in this part of Wanchese. Manteo and Wanchese were
North America. The relationship also used to promote the Virginia Project.
between the English and the Native They helped English explorers learn
Americans (the people who originally some of the Native American language Atlantic.
lived on the land) was friendly. They and they were also taught some English. ❑ Fresh water and drink for the voyage.
exchanged English goods for food from It was hoped that having the support of ❑ Farming tools and seeds ❑ Animals
the native Americans. On their return to Manteo and Wanchese would help the such as chickens to use as food
England, the team reported that Virginia colonists make contact with other ❑ Weapons for the voyage and the
was like a ‘paradise’ and that the native Natives in order to trade with and find colonisation.
people there were very friendly. This was workers..
important as it gave Raleigh the
opportunity to promote Virginia in a
positive way to persuade people to live
there. Persuading people to leave England Spain
Raleigh used the findings from the ‘fact ❑They needed enough ships which were People
finding’ trip big ❑ They had to reach Virginia during a
enough to carry all of the colonists and time of year when they could grow
Raising Money for the Colonisation enough:
Elizabeth refused to fund this voyage on ❑ Food to get across the long voyage their crops that would help them survive over
her own – supplies. the winter.
over the ❑ Arriving too late or growing the
show off, the fact finding exhibition to ❑The ships needed to have weapons in
Virginia also brought back two Native case of attack by the Spanish or pirates. wrong crops would cause problems.
❑The ships needed to be strong enough
Virginia. Anyone who invested their own money in
the colonisation would hope to gain money back
from the trading opportunities it would give in the
long term.
she needed to think about the funds she might to persuade a group of English men to make the
need to potentially fight against the Spanish now dangerous and long voyage to Virginia across the
that tensions with Spain were high. However, she Atlantic Ocean. These people were led to believe
did give Raleigh a ship, gunpowder worth £400 they could find their fortune and live in a ‘paradise’.
and her official royal backing. This royal backing is They had to be people who were willing to leave
what attracted other wealthy people to invest in their life in England and live in Virginia
the project to colonise Virginia. Raleigh also had to permanently.
invest money of his own to find the voyage to
 ❑ Raleigh believed he needed 300 colonists with a ❑ Ralph Lane was chosen to be the Governor of
Spain controlled a lot of the land and sea around variety of skills to first reach Virginia and then Virginia (a soldier and an expert fort builder).
Virginia. This meant that they would need to survive. He listed hunters, farmers, soldiers and ❑ Thomas Harriot had worked with Manteo and
safely find a route through without being attacked stone masons (to build forts). Wanchese and understood their language, as well
by the Spanish. They also needed soldiers on ❑ He chose Richard Grenville as his Expedition as being skilled at map making. He too was taken
board to protect the colonists from any Spanish Leader. He was an experienced sailor as well as an on the voyage.
attack. experienced soldier
Why did the attempted Colonisation of Virginia fail?

The Voyage Inexperience Native American Resistance – Roanoke Island

such hard work and require so many skills. Many of the wealthier in 1587. This was another attempt at colonising this area of Virginia.
members of the party still expected that their social status would However, despite having Manteo with them, the Native Indians were
mean others would do all the hard work. This led to tensions still hostile and there was more fighting.
❑ The colonists left England too late in the year and did not arrive in increasing between the colonists.
Virginia in time to plant the crops they needed to be able to feed ❑ Despite having Manteo and Wanchese with them, this was not
themselves over the winter months. This left them having to rely on enough to set up a good relationship with the Native American
the food of the native Americans in order to survive. At first the people.
Native American people were generous but then felt that they were ❑ A group of natives on one of the English settlements in Virginia
being taken advantage of. This made the relationship between the called Roanoke Island were far more unpredictable and suspicious of
two groups difficult. the English than the English were expecting. The chief of Roanoke
❑ The food on board the ships rotted too quickly and so resulted in Island became fed up with the constant demands from the colonists
the colonists being too weak and sick. for food and supplies.
❑ One of the ships called The Tiger was damaged and flooded on the ❑ The Roanoke people feared the English. They believed the
voyage. This ship contained most of the voyages’ food stores as well colonists had strange supernatural powers to kill them. For example,
as some when the colonists left their settlement, many of the Roanoke people
important seeds for planting in Virginia. died. We now know that this was due to the English diseases that had
❑ Many of the colonists were ill on the journey. With little medical been brought over that the Roanoke people were not protected
knowledge, morale became low even before they reached Virginia. from. However, the Roanoke people did not know this and so feared
the English.
❑ Finally, through fear and anger, the Roanoke set out to fight against
The Colonists the colonists. The colonists found out about this planned attack and
❑ The colonists did not understand how to survive in North America prepared to fight back. With better weapons and armour, the English
or how different it would be to England. They could not adapt to colonists killed many of the Roanoke as well as their tribal chief.
many of the changes they experienced. However, there were also many deaths amongst the English colonists.
❑ The colonists had to rely on the Native Americans too much. ❑ The colonists who survived decided to return back to England in
When the Native Americans began to refuse to give any more help, 1586. They simply could not cope and the colonisation failed.
this left the colonists without. ❑ A second group of colonists left England and travelled to Roanoke False Expectations
❑ The colonists did not expect the setting up of their colony to be
❑ The colonists found it difficult to cope with the hot and humid climate as well as the mosquitos which ❑ The hunters, farmers and the fishermen struggled. Different farming and hunting methods were
were everywhere. needed in such a different climate. Some of the seeds brought over from England would not grow in the
❑ Many who came on the trip just wanted to get rich quick rather than put in the hard work that was different types of soil in Virginia.
needed to survive. ❑ Most of the gunpowder on the ships was damaged so shooting animals for food was difficult. English
❑ The colonists could not work well together. The richer ‘gentlemen’ were not prepared to do any hard fishing techniques did not work.
physical work and expected the poorer classes to do it for them. The ‘poorer’ farmers refused to work
for the richer colonists as they had agreed to travel to North America for their OWN land not work on
someone else’s land. ❑ In reality, the belief that Virginia was a ‘paradise’ was not true.
❑ There were too many soldiers on the voyage. They did not have important farming skills to help the The colonists felt that they had been lied to by people such as
colonists survive and they were poorly disciplined. Walter Raleigh who ‘sold’ them the idea of colonising Virginia.
❑ When they were promised exotic foods, in actual fact they were forced to search for nuts and berries
to eat in order to survive.
❑ The richer colonists simply believed that the Native American Indians would be willing to do all the
hard physical work for them. This was not the case as it was difficult to form friendly relationships with
the natives.
❑ The Native American people were more hostile towards the English colonists than they had been led
to believe.