ELIZABETH THE FIRST

ELIZABETH I AND RELIGION

SECTION 1 : THE RELIGIOUS SITUATION IN 1558

YOU NEED TO BE AWARE OF THE FOLLOWING:

(a)    How religion had changed under her predecessors and the reactions both within and outside England

(b)   What people expected from the new Queen

(c)    The religious alternatives that confronted her and the possible ramifications of each policy on the country, overseas, and on herself

(1)   Maintain Roman Catholicism of Mary

(2)   Adopt more English form of Catholicism by reverting to ideas of Henry VIII

(3)   Abandon Catholicism and embrace Lutheranism

(4)   Abandon Catholicism and embrace Zwingli or Calvin�s ideas

(d)   How other countries perceived her and the effects her religious policy would have on foreign relations

(e)    The situation at home � how much freedom did she have?

(f)     The state of the Church � how much freedom did she have?

(g)    Elizabeth�s personal beliefs � how much should these affect religious settlement?

1.      THE CHANGING RELIGIOUS DIVISIONS UNDER HER PREDECESSORS

Prior to Henry VIII � Catholic country. Had been quarrels with Pope, eg Becket, John etc, but fundamentally loyal to Catholic Church

Henry VIII � loyal to Catholic Church � opposed Luther � awareded title DEFENDER OF THE FAITH. Marriage to Anne Boleyn led to break from Papacy, though NOT from Catholicism. Reign saw swings to and from Protestantism, but Henry�s later years witnessed move back towards Catholicism. However by time of his death most of his courtiers and his son were Protestants. Henry had weakened position of Catholic Church in England and left country on verge of Protestant reformation.

Edward VI � firm protestant and advised by key protestant reformers. Protestant reforms began like Protestant prayer book. Catholic beliefs were being eradicated. Assumed if young king had lived longer, would have been total protestant reformation.

Mary I � Firm Catholic � restored authority of Pope but had to adopt gradual policy and accept reality, eg could not restore monasteries. Persecution of Protestants was unpopular as was Catholic marriage. If had lived longer, further Catholic reforms would have been implemented.

All three reigns witnessed religious discord :

Henry VIII � saw opposition from leading Churchmen, like Fisher and More, soured relations with Emperor, saw popular unrest in Pilgrimage of Grace, saw emergence of religious factions at Court.

Edward VI � Saw rebellions � partly influenced by religion.

Mary I � saw rebellion � partly influenced by religion.

Elizabeth, therefore, had precedents to guide her.

2.                  WHAT PEOPLE EXPECTED FROM THE NEW QUEEN

Generally assumed that Elizabeth was a Protestant. Many Catholics feared she would abandon Catholic doctrines completely. Many protestants hoped she would introduce radical Protestant reforms. Most probably wanted peace and stability.

3.                  THE RELIGIOUS ALTERNATIVES

Elizabeth had four main alternatives :

�                          Maintain Catholicism

�                          Restore English Catholicism

�                          Introduce Lutheranism

�                          Introduce some form of religion based on Zwingli or Calvin�s ideas

Each option carried dangers:

(1)    Roman Catholicism � Against her own wishes so would weaken her authority and status; would mean her power diminished as papal influence restored; Catholics would still be suspicious; Protestants would be furious; may mend fences with catholic princes, but would hem in England�s foreign policy.

(2)    English Catholicism � Against her own wishes so would weaken her authority and status; Catholics would be suspicious and still clamour for return to papal power; Protestants would be furious; foreign princes of all persuasions might be wary.

(3)    Lutheranism � Challenge power of monarch; would alienate Catholics; would encourage Protestants to want more; would affect foreign relations

(4)    Zwinglis/Calvin�s ideas � as Lutheranism

Alternatively she could reject all four and introduce a form of English Protestantism

4.      HOW RELIGION WOULD AFFECT FOREIGN RELATIONS

Foreign princes watched to see what Elizabeth would do.

Spain was Catholic and Philip would have disliked any move from Catholicism BUT he needed an alliance with England in 1558. He did not wish to see a combined Franco-Scottish alliance destroy Elizabeth as this would strengthen France and weaken his access to Netherlands. He was prepared, therefore, to support Elizabeth against the claims of Mary, Queen of Scots.

France had been traditional enemy and was at war in 1558. Claims to Calais made relations difficult. By abandoning these Elizabeth calmed French fears, but in 1559 Mary of Scots became Queen of France and claimed England. Danger Catholics might rally to her if alienated. Combined Scottish and French force would be a danger.

Scotland was ruled by Mary of Guise with French army. She might prove a threat and support Catholic rebellion but most nobles in Scotland were Protestant, so Scotland could be neutralised if mary replaced.

The Netherlands were ruled by Philip and Elizabeth needed trade links with Antwerp, but Protestantism and unrest were growing. They would welcome a Protestant and friendly England.

The Pope would excommunicate her if she adopted Protestantism and that would pose dilemma for Catholic subjects.

5.                  HOW WOULD RELIGIOUS CHANGES AFFECT RLATIONS WITH KEY ELEMENTS IN ENGLAND?

The House of Commons was largely protestant with a few ardent Catholics. They could be expected to support any moves towards Protestantism

The House of Lords was traditionally Catholic and there might be fierce opposition here, especially from the bishops.

The Privy Council was largely Protestant as she removed 35 of Mary�s advisers. New Council dominated by Cecil and his allies.

The Marian Exiles returned to England more fierce than ever to transform England into a Protestant country. They expected support.

Most people were basically conservative in their views.

The clergy were solidly Catholic and used sermons to denounce Protestantism. They might stir up rebellion.

Many in the Government resented a woman in charge � unacceptable to extremists on both sides. Also if she replaced Catholic bishops she might provoke rebellion.

6.      ELIZABETH�S PERSONAL BELIEFS

Educated as a Protestant by leading humanists

Had translated Erasmus as a youth

Disliked long Protestant sermons

Liked ceremonies in church, eg choir, vestments

Hated idea of married clergy

Had candles and crucifixes in her private chapel

Scrapped candles at coronation. Bread and wine not consecrated during ceremony.

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