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1558–88

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Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9–1)

Early Elizabethan England, 1558–88

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 Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9–1)

History
Early Elizabethan England,
1558–88

Revision Guide & Workbook + App

Series Consultant: Harry Smith

Author: Brian Dowse

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 Contents
SUBJECT CONTENT Elizabethan society in the Age of Exploration,
1558–88
Queen, government and religion, 1558–69
Education and leisure
England in 1558 26 Elizabethan education
1 Government on Elizabeth’s accession 27 Sport, pastimes and the theatre
2 Society on Elizabeth’s accession
3 Virgin Queen: legitimacy, gender Poverty
and marriage 28 The problem of the poor
4 Virgin Queen: character and strengths 29 Changing attitudes
5 Challenges at home: financial weaknesses
6 Challenges abroad: France, Scotland Exploration and discovery
and Spain
30 Factors promoting exploration
31 Drake’s circumnavigation of the globe
The religious settlement
7 Religious divisions in England in 1558 Raleigh and Virginia
8 Elizabeth’s religious settlement 32 Raleigh and the attempted colonisation
9 Church of England: its role in society of Virginia
33 The failure of Virginia
Religious challenges
10 The Puritan challenge SKILLS
11 The Catholic challenge at home 34 Exam overview
12 The Catholic challenge abroad 35 Question 1(a): Describing features 1
36 Question 1(a): Describing features 2
Mary, Queen of Scots 37 Question 1(b): Explaining why 1
13 Mary’s claim to the throne and arrival 38 Question 1(b): Explaining why 2
in England 39 Question 1(c): Making a judgement 1
14 Mary vs Elizabeth 40 Question 1(c): Making a judgement 2

Challenges to Elizabeth at home and abroad,

1569–88 41 PRACTICE

Plots and revolts at home

53 ANSWERS
15 The Revolt of the Northern Earls
16 The Ridolfi plot
17 The Throckmorton and Babington plots
18 Walsingham’s spies
A small bit of small print
19 The execution of Mary, Queen of Scots
Pearson Edexcel publishes Sample Assessment
Relations with Spain Material and the Specification on its website.
20 Spain: political and religious rivalry This is the official content and this book should
21 Spain: commercial rivalry be used in conjunction with it. The questions
in Now try this have been written to help you
War with Spain
practise every topic in the book. Remember:
22 The Netherlands and Cadiz
the real exam questions may not look like this.
The Armada
23 Spanish invasion plans
24 Reasons for the English victory
25 Consequences of the English victory
 England
Had a look Nearly there Nailed it! in 1558

Government on Elizabeth’s
accession
Elizabethan government had many different features and involved the court, the Privy Council,
parliament, Lord Lieutenants and Justices of the Peace.
Elizabeth’s government
The court – made up of The Privy Council – members
noblemen who acted as of the nobility who helped
the monarch’s advisers and govern the country. They
friends. They advised the monitored parliament, Justices
monarch and helped display of the Peace and oversaw law
her wealth and power. and order and the security of
Members of the court could the country.
also be members of the
Privy Council.

Parliament –
advised Elizabeth’s
government, made up
of the House of Lords
and the House of
Commons.
Justices of the Peace The House of Lords
– large landowners; was made up of
appointed by noblemen and bishops.
government, who kept
The House of
law and order locally
Commons was elected,
and heard court cases.
though very few
Elizabeth I became queen people could vote.
of England in 1558. Parliament passed
laws and approved
Lord Lieutenants – noblemen, appointed by
taxes (extraordinary
government, who governed English counties
taxation).
and raised the local militia.

not possess
Key terms Remember: Elizabeth did
uld not pass laws
complete power. She co
Extraordinary taxation – extra taxes proval, or raise taxes
required to pay for unexpected expenses, without parliament’s ap
reement.
especially war. without parliament’s ag
Militia – a force of ordinary people
(not professional soldiers) raised in
an emergency.

Now try this

1 Explain two features of Elizabethan government.
2 Were there any ways in which the power of Queen You may wish to refer
Elizabeth I was limited? Explain your answer. to parliament
when answering this qu
estion.

1
 England
in 1558 Had a look Nearly there Nailed it!

Society on Elizabeth’s
accession
Elizabethan society was very rigid, based on inequality and a social hierarchy or structure where
everyone knew their place.
The social hierarchy of the countryside The social hierarchy of towns

plo
ss and va
e le nd l abou gr an unem yed
m r t r a f t s me n
h o s s a n t f a r me i n g s c
s s o wn
e na r i n e
te men farme s us fession r
e
po
dl

o entry a
l an

ro
or

s
g
ye

rs

ls
p
nobility merchants

of Elizabethan 10% of the population

90% of the population England lived in towns.
of Elizabethan
co unt ryside.
England lived in the

Who’s who in the countryside Who’s who in the towns

The nobility – major landowners; often Merchants – traders who were
lords, dukes and earls. very wealthy.
The gentry – owned smaller estates. Professionals – lawyers, doctors
and clergymen.
The yeoman farmers – owned a small Business owners – often highly skilled
amount of land. craftsmen, such as silversmiths, glovers
Tenant farmers – rented land from the (glove makers), carpenters or tailors.
yeoman farmers and gentry. Craftsmen – skilled employees,
The landless and labouring poor – including apprentices.
people who did not own or rent land, Unskilled labourers and the
and had to work or labour to provide for unemployed – people who had no
themselves and their families. regular work and could not provide for
Homeless and vagrants – moved from themselves and their families.
place to place looking for work.

Obedience and care

Wherever you were in Elizabethan society, you owed respect and obedience to those above you
and had a duty of care to those below. Landowners ran their estates according to these ideas.
Ideally they would take care of their tenants, especially during times of hardship.
Households were run along similar lines to society. The husband and father was head of the
household. His wife, children and any servants were expected to be obedient to him.

Now try this

of a topic. For
A feature is an aspect
d care is a feature
Briefly explain two features of Elizabethan society. example, obedience an
of Elizabethan society.

2
 England
Had a look Nearly there Nailed it! in 1558

Virgin Queen: legitimacy,

gender and marriage
When Elizabeth became queen following the death of her older sister, Mary, she had to find a way
of establishing her authority as reigning monarch.
Elizabeth was young Elizabeth’s government Elizabeth’s legitimacy
(21 years old) and needed money. was in doubt as the Elizabeth’s father, Henry
lacked experience. pope had refused to VIII, had divorced
recognise her mother’s Catherine of Aragon an
marriage to Henry VIII.
d
married Anne Boleyn,
Elizabeth’s mother.
Problems facing The pope refused to
To pass laws,
Catholics refused recognise this divorce
Elizabeth needed Elizabeth when to acknowledge When Anne Boleyn was
.
the support
of parliament. she became queen Elizabeth’s right
executed in 1536, Henry
to rule England.
excluded Elizabeth from
the succession, althoug
h
Elizabeth was unmarried and it was unusual for a queen Elizabeth was he reversed this decis
Protestant. Her
ion
to rule in her own right, as Christian traditions suggested before his death.
that women should follow men’s authority. Many people predecessor, Mary,
disapproved of the idea of a queen regnant (a queen was Catholic.
who actually ruled).
Legitimacy refers
the to whether a
lly in the north, disliked
Many Catholics, especia (the Act monarch is lawfully
er the Church in 1534
way Henry had taken ov . They entitled to rule.
solved the monasteries
of Supremacy) and dis y, claiming th at she had no
d Eli za be th ’s leg itim ac
questione and there
rred a Catholic monarch
right to rule. They prefe
llion.
was a real risk of rebe

Key issues facing Elizabeth in 1588

• It was widely expected that Elizabeth
The problems of marriage
would marry. However, this would reduce If Elizabeth married a Protestant,
Elizabeth’s power, as her husband would be this would anger Catholics.
expected to govern the country and deal If she married a Catholic, this
with parliament. would upset Protestants.
Marriage could involve England in
• Elizabeth’s inexperience meant that she
expensive wars, damaging royal
needed the support and advice of her Privy
finances and requiring taxation.
Council, especially her Secretary of State,
The Crown was already £300 000
Sir William Cecil.
in debt.
• Elizabeth could issue royal proclamations
Yet marriage was important, as
and had prerogative powers, enabling her
Elizabeth needed an heir. If she died
to govern without parliament’s consent,
without an heir the throne would be
especially in foreign policy. However, laws
vacant and this could lead to civil war.
could only be passed with parliament’s
approval as Acts of Parliament.

Now try this

Briefly explain two problems Elizabeth faced when she became queen in 1558.

3
 England
in 1558 Had a look Nearly there Nailed it!

Virgin Queen: character

and strengths
Elizabeth was known as ‘the Virgin Queen’ because she remained unmarried. Many people in
the 16th century felt this meant she could not rule alone. However, Elizabeth had a number of
strengths as a ruling monarch.
Elizabeth’s character and strengths
Elizabeth was confident and Elizabeth was well educated –
charismatic – this enabled her she spoke Latin, Greek, French
to win over her subjects and and Italian.
command support in parliament.
Elizabeth had an excellent grasp
of politics – she understood the
interests and ambitions of her
subjects, and was able to use her
powers of patronage effectively.
Elizabeth was resilient – she had
spent time in the Tower accused
of treason and facing possible Although Elizabeth was Protestant,
execution. She could cope with the number of Protestants in
the pressures of being queen. England was growing, making her
position as queen more secure.
She could claim divine right with
growing conviction.
The Virgin Queen

Reinventing the role Elizabethan propaganda

Elizabeth was able to use her strengths Throughout her reign, Elizabeth was happy to
to reinvent herself as a different type of portray herself as a strong, legitimate, popular
monarch. She liked to demonstrate that, monarch and a ‘Virgin Queen’ – married only
even though she was female, she was no to England and not to a prince or king. This is
ordinary woman. She therefore argued that reflected in paintings such as the one above
she did not need to marry and could govern of her coronation, which shows a confident but
England on her own. feminine monarch rightfully crowned queen.

Key terms
• Charismatic leader – someone who possesses great personal appeal and can use this to
win people over.
• Legitimate ruler – someone who is legally and morally entitled to rule.
• Divine right – the idea that God alone appointed the monarch, meaning that to challenge
the monarch was to challenge God. Successful monarchs claimed divine providence (Godly
approval) of their actions, reinforcing their legitimacy. Less successful monarchs could face
charges of Godly disapproval and find their legitimacy undermined.
• Protestants – Christians who no longer accepted the authority of the pope and many of
the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. During the Reformation (which began in 1517),
Protestants, under Martin Luther, seceded (broke away from) the Roman Catholic Church,
and this resulted in religious wars in France and Germany.
• Patronage – the monarch could use the granting of lands, jobs and titles to reward
her supporters. People who received these positions could use them to become wealthy.

Now try this

Briefly describe two advantages Elizabeth had when she became queen in 1558.

4
 England
Had a look Nearly there Nailed it! in 1558

Challenges at home:
financial weaknesses
Elizabeth faced a number of financial challenges at home when she became queen.
to the government,
Financial weaknesses in 1558 The word Crown refers
and her advisers
There was a need to improve the quality of money which means the monarch
to help England’s finances. (Privy Councillors).
• The Crown was £300 000 in debt and had an How monarchs could raise money
annual income of only £286 667.
• Rents and income from their own lands
• Over £100 000 of Crown debts was owed to (Crown lands).
foreign moneylenders (the Antwerp Exchange), • Taxes from trade (known as customs duties).
which charged a high interest rate at 14%. • Special additional taxes, known as
• Mary Tudor had sold off Crown lands to pay subsidies, which had to be agreed
for wars with France, so the Crown’s income by parliament.
from rents was falling. • Profits of justice (fines, property or lands
• Elizabeth needed money to remain secure on from people convicted of crimes).
the throne, as she could use it to reward • Loans (sometimes loans were ‘forced’,
her supporters. meaning they were compulsory and
• Since the 1540s, the Crown had debased never repaid).
(devalued) the coinage, by reducing its silver s rise. This happened
Inflation is where price
and gold content, in order to make more money rth less, so people
to fight wars against France. This resulted in because coins were wo
they sold.
inflation, as the value of the currency fell. charged more for what

What could Elizabeth do to solve her

The effects of Elizabeth’s
financial problems in 1558?
policies
Raise taxes to boost the Crown’s income
 The queen could convene parliament and ask for In spite of Elizabeth’s careful management
subsidies (special additional taxes). of Crown finances, there was limited
 Additional taxes would be unpopular with reform. Parliamentary grants were raised
ordinary people, increasing the risk of unrest. locally, with many landowners acting as
Lord Lieutenants and Justices of the
Improve the quality of money by increasing the
Peace, pocketing some of the proceeds
gold and silver content in the coinage.
before the rest was sent to the Crown.
 In 1560, Thomas Gresham, the Crown’s financial
This meant that ordinary people faced
adviser, suggested this to William Cecil, but the
a heavier financial burden while the
Crown was slow to respond.
wealthy benefitted.
 Any ‘new’ coinage would be traded alongside
older, less valuable coins. People would struggle
to exchange the older coins for new ones.

What Elizabeth did

 She did not raise taxes but instead hoarded her income and cut her household expenses by half.
 Like her predecessors, she sold Crown lands, raising £120 000.
By 1574, the queen could claim that the Crown was out of debt for the first time since 1558.

Now try this

Explain why Elizabeth faced so many financial problems at the start of her reign in 1558.

5
 England
in 1558 Had a look Nearly there Nailed it!

Challenges abroad: France,

Scotland and Spain
When she became queen in 1558, Elizabeth faced a number of challenges from France, Scotland
and, to a lesser extent, Spain and its influence in the Netherlands.

Challenges from abroad facing Elizabeth in 1558

The French threat: France was wealthier than England and had
a bigger population. Elizabeth’s cousin, Mary, Queen of Scots,
was married to the heir to the French throne. Mary had a strong
claim to the English throne and English Catholics might rally to
her if the French invaded.

Under the Treaty of Cateau-Cambrésis

England had lost Calais to France. This
was England’s last remaining territory on
the continent and there was pressure on The Auld Alliance:
Elizabeth to regain it. However, war France’s alliance with Scotland
with France would be expensive threatened England. Mary of
and dangerous. Guise (James V’s widow), who
ruled Scotland on behalf of her
Challenges daughter, Mary, Queen of Scots,
abroad kept French soldiers there, who
could attack England. The
in 1588 relationship between France and
Scotland was further
strengthened by the marriage of
France had ended its war with Spain. Francis (the heir to the French
French military resources were no longer throne) to Mary, Queen of Scots,
stretched by war with Spain, making a in 1558. Francis became King
war with England more likely. There was Francis II of France in 1559.
also the possibility that France and
Spain, both Catholic countries, would
unite against Protestant England. Spain War was an expensive business and the Crown was in debt.
also had troops in the Netherlands, England could not afford a war with France, Scotland or
not far from England. Spain, as this would be ruinously expensive and deepen
the government’s debts.

How Elizabeth dealt with the challenges from abroad

Elizabeth did her best to avoid upsetting Europe’s most powerful countries.
• She sought to avoid war with France by signing the Peace of Troyes (1564), which recognised
once and for all the French claim to Calais.
• Elizabeth was able to deal with the threat posed by Scotland by placing Mary, Queen of Scots,
who fled Scotland in 1568, in custody in England.
• By imprisoning Mary and making peace with France, Elizabeth had only one significant threat by
1569: Spain.

Now try this Go to pages 13 and 14

to find out
th dealt with
more about how Elizabe
Ma ry, Queen of
Explain the challenges Elizabeth faced abroad the threat posed by
15 68 and 1569.
Scots, between
between 1558 and 1568.

6
 The religious
Had a look Nearly there Nailed it! settlement

Religious divisions in
England in 1558
Elizabeth was a Protestant queen taking over a country that was still largely Catholic.
Why was religion important in Elizabethan England?
• Religion was central to life in England. Religious teaching and practices guided people’s morals
and behaviour as well as their understanding of the world. Birth, marriage and death were all
marked by religious ceremonies.
• People believed that going to church, attending pilgrimages and confessing sins reduced time in
purgatory where the soul was purged of sin using 'spiritual fire' before reaching heaven.
• Religious festivals (holy days), such as St Swithin’s Day (15 July) and Lammas Day (2 August),
marked the agricultural year and were seen as essential to a good harvest.
Protestants tended to be found in northern Europe,
especially in the Netherlands, Scandinavia and Germany. Since the 1530s, many
The Reformation divided the Protestants fleeing
Christian Church between persecution in Europe had
Religious divisions landed in England, settling
Catholics and Protestants
from 1517. in England and Europe in London, East Anglia and
Kent. The number of
in the 16th century English Protestants
The north of England, especially
was growing.
Durham, Yorkshire and Lancashire,
remained largely Catholic. Some Protestants became Puritans – people who wanted
to purify the Christian religion by getting rid of anything
not in the Bible.

The differences between Catholicism, Protestantism and Puritanism

Catholics (‘old religion’) Protestants (‘new religion’) Puritans (strict Protestants)
Beliefs The pope is the head No pope. It may be No popes, cardinals
of the Church helped by necessary to have or bishops.
cardinals, bishops archbishops or bishops.
and priests.
Church is the intermediary
Personal direct relationship with God via prayer and Bible.
(go-between) between God
Only God can forgive sins.
and people. Can forgive sins.
During Mass bread and
wine become actual body The bread and wine simply represent the body and blood of
and blood of Christ Christ. There is no miracle.
(transubstantiation).
7 sacraments
2 sacraments: Baptism and Holy Communion.
(ceremonies).
Priests are celibate. Priests can marry.
Practices Services in Latin. Services in English.
Priests wear vestments. Priests wear simple vestments.
Churches highly Churches plain and simple. Churches whitewashed with
decorated. no decorations.
Support Catholics the majority in Mostly south-east England Puritans found in London and
north and west England. (London, Kent, East Anglia). East Anglia.

Now try this

Briefly outline two ways in which the beliefs of Catholics, Protestants and Puritans differed in 1558.

7
 The religious
settlement Had a look Nearly there Nailed it!

Elizabeth’s religious settlement

Elizabeth’s religious settlement (1559) aimed to establish a form of religion that would be
acceptable to both Protestants and Catholics.
Key features of Elizabeth’s religious settlement of 1559
The Act of Uniformity dictated the appearance of churches and how
religious services were to be held. It required everyone to attend church.
The Act of Supremacy: The Royal Injunctions:
Elizabeth became Supreme This was a set of instructions
Governor (Head) of the Church to the clergy that reinforced
of England. All clergy and royal Elizabeth’s the Acts of Supremacy and
officials had to swear an oath religious Uniformity. It included
of allegiance to her. instructions on how people
settlement should worship God and how
An Ecclesiastical High religious services were to
Commission was established be conducted.
to keep discipline within the
Church and enforce Elizabeth’s The Book of Common Prayer (1559) introduced a set church service
religious settlement. Disloyal to be used in all churches. The clergy had to follow the Prayer Book
clergy could be punished. wording during services or be punished.

Church.
ything to do with the
Ecclesiastical means an

The aims of Elizabeth’s religious settlement

Elizabeth’s religious settlement was inclusive and designed to be accepted by as many of her
subjects as possible. Therefore, the wording of the new Prayer Book could be understood to
mean different things by Catholics and Protestants.
• The Communion Sacrament referred to in the Book of Common Prayer could be interpreted as
the body and blood of Jesus (transubstantiation). This would have appealed to Catholics, while
Protestants could view it as an act of remembrance.
• Protestants would have approved of the ban on pilgrimages to ‘fake’ miracles, while Catholics
would have approved of the possibility of ‘real’ miracles.
• Catholics would also have approved of the use of candles, crosses and vestments in
church services.

Impacts of the religious settlement The Royal Injunctions

• 8000 clergy out of about 10 000 accepted These stated that all clergy were required to:
the religious settlement. • teach the Royal Supremacy
• Many Marian Bishops (Catholic Bishops • report those refusing to attend church to
appointed by Mary Tudor) opposed the the Privy Council – absentees were fined a
settlement and had to be replaced. week’s wages
• The majority of ordinary people accepted • keep a copy of the Bible in English
Elizabeth’s religious settlement and attended
• have a government licence to preach
the church services, even though many of
them held on to Catholic beliefs. • prevent pilgrimages, religious shrines and
monuments to ‘fake’ miracles
• wear special clothes (vestments).

Now try this

1 Describe two ways in which the Elizabethan religious settlement affected the Church.
2 Give two reasons why a Protestant would have been happy with Elizabeth’s religious settlement of 1559.

8
 The religious
Had a look Nearly there Nailed it! settlement

Church of England: its role

in society
The Church of England played an important role in national government, and in town and village life.
Preached the government’s message –
priests needed a government’s licence
to preach. This ensured the clergy Provided guidance for
preached Elizabeth’s religious and communities – the parish church
political message, as those who helped people in times of
refused to do so would be denied hardship and uncertainty.
a licence.

Enforced Responsible for Church

Elizabeth’s Role of the Courts – these dealt with
religious marriage, sexual offences,
settlement Church of England slander (false insults),
of 1559. in society wills and inheritance.
the religious
Find out more about
settlement on pa ge 8.

Legitimised Elizabeth’s rule – the Visitations – bishops carried out

Church encouraged people to remain inspections of churches and clergy,
loyal to and not rebel against to ensure they obeyed the religious
their monarch. settlement. These took place every
3–4 years. Visitations also involved
checking the licences of physicians,
midwives and surgeons.

Role of parish clergy in Role of parish clergy in town life

village life • Parish churches in towns contained a
• In all parishes the clergyman was a major figure much wider collection of people, including
in the village community and conducted merchants, craftsmen, labourers and
church services including baptisms, weddings vagrants. There was often a wider range of
and funerals. religious beliefs, too, especially in London,
which contained mainstream Protestants,
• The clergy offered spiritual and practical Puritans and Catholics.
advice and guidance to people, especially
when times were difficult (such as during a • The role of the clergy varied both within
poor harvest). towns and between them. In London a
wide variety of parishes existed, some of
• The clergy were funded by taxes or tithes, which were very wealthy while others were
or by other sources of income, such as the relatively poor.
sale of church pews. The gentry funded
some parishes while others remained • Due to overcrowding, parish clergy in towns
independent of local landowners. had a wider range of issues to deal with
than was the case in rural parishes. These
10% of people’s included poverty, vagrancy and diseases,
A tithe was a tax worth such as smallpox and plague.
uced.
income or goods prod

Now try this

1 In what ways did the Church of England control Elizabethan society?
2 Explain the role played by the clergy in rural parishes between 1558 and 1588.

9
 Religious
challenges Had a look Nearly there Nailed it!

The Puritan challenge

Many radical protestants, or Puritans, challenged Elizabeth’s religious settlement of 1559.
However, by the late 1560s most Protestant clergy were doing as the queen required.
Who were the Puritans? ial clothing
Vestments were spec
worship.
Puritans were radical Protestants who wanted worn by clergy during
to ‘purify’ the Christian religion by getting rid
of anything that wasn’t in the Bible.
• Puritans wanted to develop their own
Church, which would not be controlled by
the queen. There would be no bishops, and
priests would not wear vestments.
• Puritans wanted to make the world a ‘more
godly’ place by banning ‘sinful’ activities,
such as gambling and cock fighting.
• Puritans wanted a simpler style of worship,
whitewashed churches and no ‘graven father is
A Puritan family – the
images’ (worship of religious idols), including teaching his wif e and children.
crucifixes and statues, which were seen as
ungodly and too Catholic. • Many Puritans were anti-Catholic and
• A minority of Puritans believed the believed the pope was the ‘anti-Christ’.
monarch could be overthrown in certain Other Puritans – millenarians – believed the
circumstances. This was especially the case world was ending and that Christians had to
if the monarch was Catholic. prepare for Jesus’ return.

The nature of the Puritan challenge

Crucifixes: Elizabeth, anxious not to Vestments: Elizabeth wanted the clergy to wear special
upset her Catholic subjects, demanded vestments, as described in the Royal Injunctions. Puritans
that a crucifix be placed in each church. resisted this, arguing that clergy should either wear no
vestments or simple vestments. In 1566 the Archbishop of
Canterbury, Thomas Parker, required priests in his Book of
Advertisements to attend an exhibition showing the
Puritans opposed this, and, when some
vestments they must wear.
Puritan bishops threatened to resign,
Elizabeth backed down, as she could
not replace them with educated
Protestant clergy of similar ability. This resulted in the resignation of 37 Puritan priests, who
refused to attend church and to wear the new vestments
as required.

The extent of the Puritan challenge

• Puritans were a vocal group within English society. Puritans, such as John Foxe, Thomas
Cartwright and John Field, were openly anti-Catholic and opposed to bishops.
• While Puritans were active in London, Cambridge, Oxford and parts of East Anglia, Puritanism had
less of an impact on northern England, where people remained mostly Catholic in outlook.
• The government ignored most Puritan demands for reform of the Church of England, including
the Admonition to Parliament in 1572, suggesting that Puritanism’s support was limited.

Now try this

Briefly describe two ways in which the Puritans challenged Elizabeth’s religious settlement.

10
 Religious
Had a look Nearly there Nailed it! challenges

The Catholic challenge

at home
The Catholic Church became increasingly hostile to Protestantism and Elizabeth’s rule.

The Counter Reformation Timeline

The Catholic Church’s attempt to reverse the 1517 Start of the Reformation
1534 Act of Supremacy:
Protestant Reformation in Europe and stop its under Martin Luther.
the king and not the pope
spread was known as the Counter Reformation. is head of the Church
Protestants in Europe were charged with heresy. of England.
In 1566, the pope issued an instruction to 1553–58 Catholicism is
English Catholics to not attend Church of restored under Mary Tudor.
England services. 1559 Elizabeth’s religious
1545–63 Council of Trent
settlement.
and Counter Reformation
the teachings of
Heresy involves denying leads to determination to
e Catholic Church
the Catholic Church. Th reverse gains made by
rely, with many
dealt with heretics seve Protestantism in Europe and
beliefs.
being executed for their
England since Reformation.

The nature of the Catholic threat The pope instructs

at home English Catholics not
to attend Church of
Counter Reformation England services.
in Europe attempts to Catholic hostility Revolt of the Northern
reverse the spread of towards Protestants. Earls (1569–70).
One-third of the
Protestantism.
English nobility and a
large part of the
gentry are recusants.

The extent of the Catholic threat e Catholic

Recusants practised th
beth
• Up to one-third of the nobility (major landowners) and religion in secret. Eliza
, as she
many gentry (smaller landowners) were recusants, tolerated them initially
em
especially in the north and northwest of England. did not want to turn th
rty rs (pe ople
• Catholic nobility tended to be from traditional and powerful into religious ma
th eir religion)
families that had prospered under Mary Tudor, such as the prepared to die for
c bellion.
re
Nevilles and the Percys. They resented their loss of influence and to avoid a Catholi
under Elizabeth and disliked the growing influence of her
favourites, such as Sir William Cecil and Robert Dudley, Earl
of Leicester, who they saw as Protestant upstarts.
• The nobility in the north were very influential and had always
enjoyed freedom of action (independence) from the Crown, so
they were well placed to incite a rebellion against Elizabeth.
• This threat was increased by the pope’s instruction that
Catholics were not to attend Church of England services.
This gave them a powerful religious reason to rebel.
hy’
Remember this is a ‘w
question, so you mu st
Now try this give reasons.

Explain why many Catholics opposed Elizabeth’s oks during

Burning Protestant bo
n.
religious settlement. the Counter Reformatio

11
 Religious
challenges Had a look Nearly there Nailed it!

The Catholic challenge abroad

Many of Europe’s most powerful rulers tended to be Catholic and, encouraged by the pope,
represented a real threat to Queen Elizabeth’s monarchy, as they could seek to remove her from
the throne and replace her with a Catholic monarch.
Extent of Catholic challenge from France
abroad in 1570 When religious war began in France, in 1562,
Elizabeth backed French Protestants, hoping
to take back Calais in return. Yet this policy
N
failed, as French Protestants made peace
SCOTLAND with the Catholics later that year.
ord to upset
Elizabeth could not aff
, as this would
IRELAND

both France and Spain

r throne.
ENGLAND
SPANISH
increase threats to he
NETHERLANDS

Key
The papacy
The Counter Reformation meant the pope
Territory controlled by
Europe’s Catholic powers FRANCE

was prepared to end Protestant rule in

England. He disapproved of the steps that
Elizabeth had taken to suppress Catholicism
following the revolt of the Northern Earls.
SPAIN
The pope had already excommunicated
Elizabeth in 1570. This could only encourage
Catholic powers, such as France and Spain,
to attack England.
tially
s surrounded by poten
By 1570, Elizabeth wa se ek to ov erthrow Excommunication mean
rs that could s being formally
hostile Catholic powe excluded from the Cath
h a Catholic monarch.
her and replace her wit olic Church and
unable to receive its sa
craments.
Spain
• In 1566 the Dutch rebelled against Spanish occupation.
Elizabeth outwardly condemned the Dutch rebels, known For more on the Revol
t of the Northern
as the Sea Beggars, but many made their way to England. Earls, 1569–70, turn
to page 18.
Spanish atrocities against Protestants (hundreds were put
to death in the Netherlands) put Elizabeth under pressure to
shelter rebels, who attacked Spanish ships in the Channel. For more on England’s
political and
religious rivalry with Sp
• Spain was further angered by England’s seizure of the ain, see
page 23.
Genoese loan in 1568. The Italian city of Genoa lent gold to
the Spanish government. Ships carrying the loan sheltered in
English ports, where Elizabeth seized it, arguing it belonged
to Italian bankers not Spain. For more on the Count
er Reformation,
turn to page 11.
• By 1570, Spanish rule in the Netherlands was secure. The
Privy Council now feared a Spanish invasion, as Spanish troops
were in the Spanish Netherlands close to England (see map).
For more on plots ag
• The presence of Mary, Queen of Scots, as an alternative ainst Elizabeth
involving Mary, Quee
Catholic monarch encouraged the Spanish government to plot n of Scots, turn
to pages 19–21.
against Elizabeth.

Now try this

Explain how relations between England and Spain declined between 1560 and 1570.

12
 Mary, Queen
Had a look Nearly there Nailed it! of Scots

Mary’s claim to the throne

and arrival in England
Mary, Queen of Scots, had a legitimate claim to the English throne and was at the centre of many
plots designed to overthrow Elizabeth.
The House of Tudor
Mary’s claim to the throne Henry VII Elizabeth
Mary, Queen of Scots, was Henry 1485–1509 dau of Edward IV

VII’s great-granddaughter and

Elizabeth’s second cousin. She was Arthur (1) Catherine (2)
of Aragon
(1) Henry VIII (2) = Anne Boleyn James IV (1) Margaret (2) Archibald Mary (1)
1509–1547 (3) = Jane Seymour of Scotland Tudor Douglas
Louis XII
of France
descended from Margaret Tudor, (4) = Anne of Cleves (2) Duke of
Suffolk
(5) = Catherine Howard
Henry VIII’s sister, was Catholic and (6) = Catherine Parr
James V Mary Margaret Frances
had a legitimate claim to the King of
Scotland
of Guise m. Matthew m. Henry Grey
Stuart
English throne. Mary was married (1) (2) (3)
to the French king, Francis II, and Philip II Mary Elizabeth I Edward VI Francis II (1) Mary, (2) Henry Stuart
Lady
Charles Jane
inherited the Scottish crown when of Spain 1553–1558 1558–1603 1547–1553 King of France Queen of
Scots
Lord Darnley Stuart
m. Elizabeth
Grey

she was only six days old. While Cavendish

James I
Mary was in France, her mother, 1603–1625
Arabella
Mary of Guise, ruled Scotland. James VI
of Scotland Stuart

Why was Mary important?

• Mary was Catholic, which meant that many Catholics, including members of the nobility, would
be prepared to support her claim to the throne.
• Mary’s claim was strengthened by the fact there were no concerns about her legitimacy.
Elizabeth’s legitimacy was questioned by Catholics, however, as her mother Anne Boleyn’s
marriage to Henry VIII was seen by many Catholics as invalid. This undermined Elizabeth’s
claim to the throne.
• Mary, therefore, would always be at the centre of Catholic plots and
For more information,
conspiracies against Elizabeth. These involved both English plotters and see pages 15–17.
foreign powers.

Mary leaves Scotland Mary’s imprisonment in England, 1568

On the death of Francis II in 1560, Mary Mary was held in England in comfort but under
returned to Scotland and married Henry guard while Elizabeth decided what to do with
Stuart (Lord Darnley), producing an heir, her. The Scottish rebels demanded that Mary be
James. Darnley was subsequently murdered handed over and tried for the murder of Darnley.
(possibly with Mary’s involvement) and this
time Mary married the Earl of Bothwell.
created a problem for
Many Scots assumed that Mary had murdered Mary’s arrival in England
in England she could
Darnley and, in 1568, they rebelled against Elizabeth. By remaining
many members of the
her, imprisoned her and forced her to abdicate encourage rebellion, as
d they could overthrow
(give up her throne) in favour of her son, Catholic nobility believe
ry on the throne.
James. Mary escaped and raised an army, Elizabeth and place Ma
n against Mary, as an
but this was defeated at Langside near However, to take actio
also reduce Elizabeth’s
Glasgow. Mary subsequently fled to England, anointed monarch, would
authority.
seeking her cousin Elizabeth’s help against the own status, power and
Scottish rebels. st
for more on plots again
Turn to pages 16–17 n of Sc ots.
ry, Qu ee
Elizabeth involving Ma
Now try this
Briefly explain why Mary, Queen of Scots, was imprisoned in England in 1568.

13
 Mary, Queen
of Scots Had a look Nearly there Nailed it!

Mary vs Elizabeth
Relations between the two monarchs remained tense, as Elizabeth became increasingly concerned
about the presence of Mary, Queen of Scots, in England between 1568 and 1569, and the threat
she posed to her throne.

Elizabeth’s options with Mary, Queen of Scots, in 1568–69

Option Possible problems
1 Help Mary Helping Mary regain her throne would anger the Scottish nobility and leave
to regain Elizabeth facing a Catholic monarch on her northern border. The Auld Alliance
her throne with France could then be revived to threaten her.
2 Hand Mary Mary was the widow of the French king, Francis II. Her trial, imprisonment and
over to the execution by Scottish noblemen with Elizabeth’s permission could provoke
Scottish France, driving them into alliance with Spain, which could lead both countries
lords into war with England.
3 Allow Mary to Allowing Mary to go abroad could see her return to France. This could
go abroad provoke a French plot that aimed to remove Elizabeth from the English throne
and replace her with Mary.
4 Keep Mary Keeping Mary in England was probably the best option for Elizabeth. However,
in England it carried the risk that Catholic plotters might try to overthrow Elizabeth and
replace her with Mary.

The Casket Letters Affair

• A meeting was set up at York to hear the By not handing over Mary, Elizabeth ensured:
case against Mary between October 1568  the Scottish nobility would not imprison or
and January 1569. execute Mary
• The Scottish lords brought love letters with  the French would be satisfied
them, supposedly written by Mary to the Earl  her subjects did not punish an
of Bothwell, that showed she had plotted to anointed monarch.
murder Lord Darnley. The conference did not reach any conclusions.
• Mary said that she could not be tried Mary, therefore, stayed in England, in
because she was an anointed monarch, captivity. But she remained a threat to
and would not offer a plea unless Elizabeth Elizabeth, because any plots against her,
guaranteed a verdict of innocence. especially those involving Catholics, would seek
• The conference did not reach any conclusions. to replace Elizabeth with Mary.
Mary, therefore, remained captive in England.

Why did Elizabeth not make Mary her heir?

One further possibility was that Elizabeth would acknowledge Mary as her heir. However, to
do so would upset English Protestants, including those on her Privy Council. Without the
support of these Privy Councillors, Elizabeth – already distrusted by many Catholics – would
have few supporters left. Moreover, the prospect of a Catholic heir would, in the event of
Elizabeth’s death, result in civil war.

Now try this

Explain why Mary, Queen of Scots, posed a threat to Elizabeth’s position as queen.

14
 Plots and
revolts at
Had a look Nearly there Nailed it! home

The Revolt of the

Northern Earls
The Revolt of the Northern Earls (1569–70) was a key turning point in Elizabeth’s reign.
Why did the Northern Earls rebel?
• The earls and their followers wanted to make England Catholic again. They especially resented
the appointment of James Pilkington, a Protestant, as Bishop of Durham in 1561.
• The earls had lost much of their influence at court under Elizabeth. They resented the ‘new
men’, such as William Cecil, John Forster and Robert Dudley.
• Elizabeth’s refusal to name an heir, or to marry and have a child, created uncertainty. The earls
feared civil war and loss of power and wealth under a future Protestant monarch.

Charles Neville, Earl of Westmorland Jane Neville was the wife

– a major Catholic northern landowner. of Charles Neville and the
Thomas Percy, Earl Duke of Norfolk’s sister.
of Northumberland
– a major Catholic
northern landowner. The rebels Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk,
a senior noble and Protestant,
of 1569–70 with family links to the old,
northern Catholic families. He
Ann Percy, the wife planned to marry Mary, Queen
of Thomas Percy Mary, Queen of Scots of Scots.

The marriage plan Progress of the revolt

• Mary would marry the Duke of Norfolk, • Northumberland and Westmorland, with
depose (remove) Elizabeth and become their wives’ support, continued with
queen herself. She told the Spanish the revolt. They took control of Durham
Ambassador in 1569 that she “shall Cathedral, celebrating mass there, as
be Queen of England in three months” well as in other northern churches, and
and that “mass shall be said all over began to move south.
the country”. • Elizabeth moved Mary to Coventry, to
• Robert Dudley told Elizabeth of the stop her escaping to join the rebels.
plot, leading to Norfolk’s arrest and • Though the rebels captured Hartlepool,
imprisonment in the Tower. support from Spain never arrived.

Why did the revolt fail? The revolt’s significance

• Support from Spain never arrived. • It showed Mary, Queen of Scots, could not
• Many northern landowners, especially those be trusted – and she remained in prison.
in Lancashire and Cheshire, remained loyal • The pope excommunicated Elizabeth and
to Elizabeth. called on loyal Catholics to depose her. This
• Many landowners did not want to risk losing encouraged further Catholic plots against her.
wealth gained from the dissolution of the • The loyalty of England’s Catholics was now
monasteries under Henry VIII by backing a in doubt, forcing the government to take harsh
failed revolt. steps against them.
• Elizabeth’s control over the north of England
was strengthened.

Think about Catholics

Now try this and Spain.

1 Why did the Northern Revolt threaten Elizabeth’s position as monarch in 1569–70?
2 Did the defeat of the revolt in 1570 strengthen or weaken Elizabeth’s grip on power?

15
 Plots and
revolts at
home Had a look Nearly there Nailed it!

The Ridolfi plot

The Ridolfi plot was one of a number of Catholic plots against Elizabeth after 1570.
Background to the plot
The failure of the revolt of The Earl of Huntingdon, a committed Protestant,
the Northern Earls and the led the Council of the North. He implemented
Papal Bull of 1570 meant laws against Catholics in the north of England. The Ridolfi plot
that Elizabeth and her Privy This angered many Catholics, who were now (1571)
Council treated Catholics prepared, with the pope’s backing, to plot
with suspicion. against Elizabeth.

The progress of the Ridolfi plot

1 Roberto Ridolfi was an Italian banker who lived in England and worked as a spy for the pope.
2 In 1571, Ridolfi plotted to murder Elizabeth, start a Spanish invasion and put Mary, Queen of
Scots, on the English throne. Mary would then marry the Duke of Norfolk.
3 In March 1571, Ridolfi travelled to the Netherlands (which, at that point, was Spanish
controlled) to discuss the plot with the pope, Philip II and the Duke of Alba. Ridolfi had a
letter signed by the Duke of Norfolk in which Norfolk declared himself a Catholic and pledged
to lead the rebellion with Philip II’s support.
4 Philip II instructed the Duke of Alba to prepare 10 000 troops to send across the English
Channel in support of the revolt.
5 Sir William Cecil discovered the plot and, by autumn 1571, was able to prove that Norfolk was
guilty of high treason (plotting against Elizabeth). Ridolfi remained abroad and never returned
to England.
6 When parliament reconvened in May 1572, it demanded the execution of both Norfolk and
Mary, Queen of Scots. Elizabeth signed Norfolk’s death warrant leading to his execution in
June 1572. Yet Elizabeth was reluctant to punish Mary, and even refused to remove her from
the succession.
cs and
ng Ma ry wo uld fur th er anger English Catholi
d cautiously. Executi st her.
Elizabeth had to procee (Eu ro pe ’s tw o big Ca tholic monarchies) again
d Spain
possibly unite France an

It reinforced the threat from Spain, as Philip II

would support any plots against Elizabeth.

The threat from Spain meant that

It confirmed that English
Catholics and Mary, Queen The significance England needed to improve
relations with France, as England
of Scots, remained a threat of the Ridolfi plot could not fight both countries
to Elizabeth. at once.

The government now began to monitor Catholics

more closely and treat them more severely.
Two laws passed in 1581 meant that families
could be fined for sheltering priests and charged
with treason if they converted people to Catholicism.

Now try this

Briefly explain why the Ridolfi plot was a threat to Elizabeth I.

16
 Plots and
revolts at
Had a look Nearly there Nailed it! home

The Throckmorton and

Babington plots
The Throckmorton and Babington plots were organised by Catholics against Elizabeth.
The Throckmorton plot, 1583 The failure of the Throckmorton plot
The French Duke of Guise, a cousin of Mary, • Sir Francis Walsingham, Elizabeth’s Secretary
Queen of Scots, plotted to invade England of State, discovered the plot in May 1583.
and overthrow Elizabeth, free Mary and make • In November 1583, Walsingham’s spies found
England Catholic again. papers at Throckmorton’s house that revealed
• Philip II offered to help pay for the revolt his part in the conspiracy.
and the pope approved of the conspiracy. • Throckmorton was arrested and tortured.
• Francis Throckmorton, a young Englishman, He confessed to his involvement and was
would pass letters between the plotters and executed in May 1584.
Mary, Queen of Scots.

Why was the Throckmorton plot significant?

Significance of Revealed extent of threat posed by Showed potential threat from France and
Throckmorton foreign Catholic powers, English Spain. Elizabeth had to take care these
plot Catholics and Mary, Queen of Scots. Catholic powers did not unite against her.

Throckmorton’s papers included a Government treated English Catholics with

list of Catholic sympathisers in greater suspicion. Many fled England after the
England, confirming government’s plot. Up to 11 000 were imprisoned, or kept
fears of ‘enemy within’. under surveillance or house arrest. An Act of
Parliament of 1585 made helping or sheltering
Catholic priests punishable with death.

The Babington plot (1586) and the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots
1 The Duke of Guise would invade England, murder Elizabeth and put Mary, Queen of Scots, on
the throne. Philip II and the pope supported the plot.
2 Anthony Babington, a Catholic, wrote to Mary in July 1586 about the conspiracy.
3 Sir Francis Walsingham intercepted and read Babington’s letters to Mary, which clearly
demonstrated her awareness of, support for and involvement in the conspiracy.
4 Babington and the plotters were sentenced to death and hanged, drawn and quartered.
5 In October 1586, Mary was sentenced to death for her part in the plot. Elizabeth delayed,
but signed Mary’s death warrant in February 1587. Mary was beheaded shortly afterwards.

Why was the Babington plot significant?

• Elizabeth’s situation was more precarious than with previous plots.
• By 1585, England and Spain were virtually at war.
• Elizabeth’s government became determined to crush the Catholic threat.
• The persecution of Catholics intensified. In 1585, 11 000 Catholics
were imprisoned or placed under house arrest. Thirty-one priests were
executed across the country in 1586.
• The plot led to the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots, ending any
hope of replacing Elizabeth with a Catholic heir.
The execution of the Babington plotters. The gallows were erected
‘mighty high’, to be visible to all to deter further plots.

Now try this

Briefly explain why the Babington and Throckmorton plots threatened Elizabeth I.

17
 Plots and
revolts at
home Had a look Nearly there Nailed it!

Walsingham’s spies
Sir Francis Walsingham, Elizabeth’s Secretary of State, developed a network of spies and
informers to uncover plots against Elizabeth.
Why was Sir Francis Walsingham important?

His intelligence unmasked the

activities of Mary, Queen of Scots.
Walsingham’s actions This put pressure on Elizabeth to
provided intelligence that execute her and led to Mary’s
defeated plots, such as execution in early 1587.
the Throckmorton plot and
Babington plot. His actions also deterred further
plots against Elizabeth.

s spymaster
Walsingham, Elizabeth'

Walsingham’s spy network Walsingham’s use of ciphers

Walsingham had a network of spies and Walsingham used ciphers (codes) for all
informants in every town. correspondence. This meant that letters
Some of Walsingham’s agents were paid would be written in code and translated out
and trained by the government. of code once received.
Others were paid informants. These were Walsingham also had the means of decoding
often people who knew or were likely (deciphering) the codes of those who plotted
to know potential plotters against the against Elizabeth. He hired specialists, such
queen. They were sometimes Catholic as Thomas Phelippes, to help him do this.
priests, such as John Hart, who turned
am’s role in uncovering
informant in return for a Royal Pardon. For more on Walsingh st
Babington plots again
Walsingham also used spies abroad. He the Throckmorton and
ge 17.
had agents in France, Germany, Spain, Elizabeth I, turn to pa
Italy and North Africa.

Walsingham’s use of torture Agents provocateurs

and execution Walsingham employed ‘agents provocateurs’
Some priests were tortured, to deter to encourage those who were seen as a
others and force them to give up threat to Elizabeth to plot against her. This
information. Under Walsingham, 130 justified their arrest and execution.
priests and 60 of their supporters were For example, Walsingham used Gilbert Gifford
put to death. to open communications between Mary and
The threat of execution and torture was the Babington plotters. This encouraged
often more effective, as it would provide Mary to involve herself in the plot, so
Walsingham with informants he could use leading to her execution.
against any plotters.
Walsingham only used torture and
ns for the execution
execution in the most serious cases, For more on the reaso
ots, turn to page 19.
as he did not want ordinary people to of Mary, Queen of Sc
sympathise with plotters.

Now try this

Why was the government able to defeat Catholic plots between 1570 and 1586?

18
 Plots and
revolts at
Had a look Nearly there Nailed it! home

The execution of Mary,

Queen of Scots
Elizabeth I eventually signed Mary’s death warrant in February 1587. Mary, Queen of Scots, was
executed for a number of different reasons.

Why was Mary, Queen of Scots, executed?

• Mary had been involved in a series of plots against Elizabeth, such as the revolt of the Northern
Earls, the Ridolfi plot, the Throckmorton plot and the Babington plot.
• Walsingham’s spies had unearthed evidence that Mary was involved with the plotters. This led to
her trial and conviction under the Act for Preservation of the Queen’s Safety.
• The Spanish threat was very real by 1587, with rumours of invasion. The fact that Philip II had
been involved in previous plots involving Mary, such as the Ridolfi plot, heightened the threat
that Mary posed and the reasons for getting rid of her.
• Mary remained a rallying point for disgruntled Catholics who saw her as a legitimate queen.
• The pope excommunicated Elizabeth in 1570, making Mary an alternative Catholic monarch who
could take the throne by foreign invasion.
Mary was an anointed monarch, so
executing her set a dangerous The execution made the succession
precedent. Elizabeth, in the even more uncertain, increasing
wrong circumstances, could meet the chances of a civil war on
a similar fate. So the execution Why was the Elizabeth’s death.
made Elizabeth and her heirs execution of Mary,
more vulnerable in the future.
Queen of Scots, The execution removed an
The execution further angered
Spain and gave Philip II further
significant? important threat to Elizabeth,
as Mary had been the focus of many
reason to attack England, as Catholic plots to depose Elizabeth.
Mary left her claim to the
throne to Philip on her death.

Queen
The execution of Mary,
rua ry 1587
of Scots, on 8 Feb
gh ay Ca stl e.
at Fotherin

Now try this

Explain two reasons why Mary, Queen of Scots, was executed in 1587.

19
 Relations
with Spain Had a look Nearly there Nailed it!

Spain: political and religious rivalry

By the 1580s, relations between England and Spain had reached the point of war.
Religious rivalry Spanish policy in the Netherlands
Under Mary Tudor, Spain and England • The Netherlands had been Spanish since the
were allies. As a Protestant country under 1400s, but many Dutch became Protestant.
Elizabeth I, England’s relationship with • A brutal Spanish campaign under the Duke of
Spain soured: Alba aimed to restore Catholicism there.
• Philip II, backed by the pope, saw • Spanish Catholics executed many Dutch
Protestantism as a threat to the authority Protestants following the Council of Troubles
of the Catholic Church. (the ‘Council of Blood’) in 1568.
• Many English Protestants saw Spain and • Spain’s campaign in the Netherlands angered
Catholicism as a threat. many in Elizabeth’s government, who now saw
• Philip II of Spain became involved in Spain as hostile – a direct threat to English
Catholic plots against Elizabeth. Protestantism and to England itself.

The Spanish Fury and the The English response to the Spanish
Pacification of Ghent Elizabeth’s government decided to secretly
By 1576, the Spanish government in the help Dutch Protestants resist the Spanish.
Netherlands found the war there unaffordable. • It allowed Dutch rebel ships (the Sea
A lack of funds meant Spanish troops went Beggars) safe passage in English ports.
unpaid. This resulted in the Spanish Fury, • It provided financial support to others
when Spanish troops looted Antwerp. fighting the Spanish, including volunteers led
by John Casimir, a foreign mercenary.
After the looting, all 17 Dutch provinces
• English privateers, such as Sir Francis Drake,
(Catholic and Protestant) joined an alliance
were encouraged to attack Spanish shipping
against the Spanish, drawn up in a document
and colonies in Latin America.
called the Pacification of Ghent. It called
Elizabeth even proposed marriage to the French
for all Spanish troops to be expelled from
heir, the Duke of Alençon, so he might be
the Netherlands.
persuaded to fight Spain in the Netherlands.

Restoring Spanish influence England and Spain close to war

By late 1584: By 1587, England and Spain were close to war.
• Spanish control of the Netherlands had • Philip II blamed English support of the Dutch
been restored under the Duke of Parma rebels for making the situation worse.
• England’s allies, the Duke of Alençon and • Philip II blamed English privateers for
William of Orange, were dead attacks on Spanish shipping.
• The Treaty of Joinville (1584) united • Elizabeth’s government blamed Spain for a
Catholic France and Spain against the series of plots against Elizabeth.
Netherlands and England
on privately owned
• Dutch Catholics were ready to make Privateers were sailors use
Spanish shipping. Beca
peace with Spain, strengthening Philip II’s warships who attacked th co uld
ly owned, Elizabe
position there. the ships were private
their actions.
deny responsibility for

Focus on religious and

Now try this such as the war in the
other reasons,
Netherlands
and English privateers.
1 Explain two reasons why relations between England
and Spain deteriorated between 1566 and 1587.
’s government
2 How far was Elizabeth’s government to blame for the Consider what Elizabeth
rse,
declining relations between England and Spain? did to make relations wo
for example.
20