ELIZABETH THE FIRST

ELIZABETH’S CONTROL OVER LOCAL GOVERNMENT

NEED TO KNOW

(a)    HOW FAR POWER WAS CENTRALISED

(b)   IMPORTANCE OF JPs

(c)    IMPORTANCE OF PATRONAGE AND LOCAL NOBLE FAMILIES

(d)   PROPAGANDA AND PROGRESSES

(e)    EXTENT OF REGIONAL UNREST

(A) CENTRALISING

·  Monarchs had difficulty imposing decisions on provinces – distance, local interests, etc

·  Had to rely on JPs and local nobles

·  At times had to use force against regional unrest

(b) IMPORTANCE OF JPS

·  Not paid – cost nothing

·  Backbone of system – local government needed them

·  Gentry gained social status – often more interested in that than in duties

·  Often promoted local interest at expense of national interest

·  Workload grew towards end of reign, eg Poor Law

·  Monarchs had to tread carefully so as not to lose them

(c) PATRONAGE AND NOBLES

·  Many nobles powerful in local areas

·  Had to win support through patronage

·  Very few examples of noble discontent, eg Norfolk and lords involved in Northern Rebellion, but the rebellion was not widely supported

·  Elizabeth had to ensure loyalty of nobles – patronage, summoning to Court, places on Council etc

·  Nobles needed royal patronage to be powerful – if angered Elizabeth could lose their social status in their areas

(d) PROPAGANDA AND PROGRESS

·  Elizabeth wanted to be known – used propaganda – portraits etc

·  Made tours to be seen – but mainly confined to south

(f)     REGIONAL UNREST

·  Very little under Elizabeth – Northern Rebellion and Essex’s gained little support, even within their own areas.

·  Was regional unrest over taxes, monopolies etc – but usually represented in parliament than in rebellion

How effective?

*Only two serious rebellions and these no real threat

·  Most of country loyal

·  JPs mixed bag and did not always promote national interest – sometimes just as well – but essentially loyal and worked well

·  Use of patronage ensured loyalty of most nobles

·  Used nobles to ensure order

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