Elizabeth’s Court and Parliament

 

Key points to remember:

• The court was central to how Tudor monarchs exercised authority and controlled their kingdom

• Parliament was weaker than today but was important in awarding taxes and passing new laws.

• Elizabeth’s power came in Patronage – appointing people to jobs, thereby ensuring loyalty

The Court

The court was made up of government officials, ladies-in-waiting, servants and advisors who surrounded Elizabeth. This was a place of power but also of culture and fashion.

The Privy Council

This was made up of 12 advisors to the Queen. They were responsible for the day to day running of the government. Elizabeth had the power to appoint who she wanted to this council but in reality she had to allow some people she did not like (such as the Duke of Norfolk) as they were too powerful to ignore. The council dealt with many issues including Military, Foreign and Religious matters. The council was led by the Secretary of State.

Key members of the council =

William Cecil (Lord Burley)- Elizabeth’s most trusted advisor, was Secretary of State twice and played a key role in the Poor Laws and the religious settlement. (Protestant)

Francis Walsingham- Was known as Elizabeth’s “Spy Master”. It was said he had one of the best spy networks in Europe and was important in the trial of Mary Queen of Scots in the 1580s. (Protestant)

Robert Dudley (Earl of Leicester)- Was Elizabeth’s childhood friend and rumoured lover. He was a strong Puritan and often argued with Cecil over the succession, foreign and religious policy.

Parliament

Parliament was made up of the House of Lords (lords, bishops and nobles) and the House of Commons (wealthy and educated people with no title such as Gentry). I had less power than now but did have a say in taxation and helped Elizabeth pass laws. It sometimes displeased Elizabeth by bringing up the matter of her marriage.

Lord Lieutenants and Justices of the Peace (JPs)

Outside of London there were two jobs that helped Elizabeth control her country. The Lord Lieutenants were appointed by Elizabeth to look after a certain area of the country. They helped settle disputes and collect taxes. In times of war they also had to organise militia to fight for the Queen. Sometimes Lord Lieutenants could become powerful members of the court. Each county also had a Justice of the Peace. Their main job was to make sure Elizabeth’s laws were being followed. They had the power to put people in prison. JPs came from the Gentry class.

Other ways Elizabeth exercised power

Apart from offering jobs in her government to ensure a person’s loyalty the Queen could also use the following:

Progresses= In the Summer every year, the Queen would leave London and travel around her realm. These were known as “Progresses”. This allowed Elizabeth to be seen by her people to improve her popularity and power. It also meant she could check on the local power of certain nobles. This also allowed Elizabeth to stay at the houses of Nobles who all tried to show their loyalty by providing wonderful banquets and accommodation – saving Elizabeth money!

Performance – As the court was a social hub it provided Elizabeth a stage to look glorious to nobles and foreign diplomats. Banquets, tournaments, and strict ceremonies all helped encourage loyalty to the Queen.