AQA GCSE History - Elizabethan England (1568-1603) - The Elizabethan Religious Settlement

Recent questions

• What is the Elizabethan religious settlement?

  The Elizabethan religious settlement, established by Queen Elizabeth I in 1559, was a significant attempt to create a middle ground between Catholicism and Protestantism in England. This settlement emerged after years of religious conflict, particularly during the reigns of her predecessors, which included the Catholic Mary I and the Protestant Edward VI. The settlement consisted of key legislative acts, notably the Act of Supremacy, which declared Elizabeth as the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, and the Act of Uniformity, which mandated the use of the Book of Common Prayer in English for worship. This approach aimed to appease both Catholics and Protestants, fostering a degree of religious stability in a time of turmoil.

• Why did Elizabeth face challenges to her rule?

  Elizabeth I faced significant challenges to her rule primarily due to the arrival of Mary Queen of Scots in 1568, who became a symbol of Catholic opposition against Elizabeth. This situation escalated with the Northern Rebellion of 1569, where rebels sought to place Mary on the throne, reflecting the deep-seated divisions within England regarding religion. In response to these threats, Elizabeth enacted stricter anti-Catholic laws, including the Treason Act of 1570, which made it punishable by death to deny her supremacy or promote Catholicism. The political and religious tensions of the time, exacerbated by plots against her life, necessitated a firm response from Elizabeth, further complicating her efforts to maintain stability.

• What were the consequences for Catholics under Elizabeth?

  Under Elizabeth I, Catholics faced severe consequences as the government implemented increasingly harsh laws to suppress Catholicism. The Act of Persuasions in 1581 significantly raised fines for Catholics who did not attend Anglican services, making it financially burdensome to practice their faith. Additionally, the Act Against Priests in 1585 declared it treasonable to be a Catholic priest, leading to the execution of those who remained in England and the death penalty for anyone aiding them. These measures reflected Elizabeth's determination to eliminate Catholic influence and maintain her religious settlement, resulting in the execution of approximately 200 Catholics during her reign, including notable figures like Margaret Clitherow.

• How did Puritans react to Elizabeth's religious policies?

  The Puritans, who opposed the hierarchical structure of the Church of England and the authority of bishops, reacted strongly against Elizabeth's religious policies. Significant figures like Thomas Cartwright called for the abolition of bishops and rejected Elizabeth's role as the supreme governor of the Church. This dissent led to increased tensions, as Elizabeth viewed her religious settlement as final and sought to suppress Puritan ideas. The house arrest of Archbishop Edmund Grindel, who held Puritan-inspired prayer meetings, exemplified her efforts to control religious practices. Following Grindel's death, John Whitgift enforced stricter adherence to traditional Protestantism, resulting in the suspension of numerous ministers and further escalating the conflict between the crown and Puritan factions.

• What impact did Elizabeth's reign have on religion in England?

  Elizabeth I's reign had a profound and lasting impact on the religious landscape of England. The Elizabethan religious settlement established a framework that sought to balance the competing interests of Catholics and Protestants, but it also led to increased persecution of dissenters. The government’s response to both Catholic and Puritan opposition included harsh laws and executions, which shaped the religious climate of the time. The settlement initially succeeded in maintaining stability, with a small percentage of priests refusing loyalty oaths. However, the growing tensions and the eventual crackdown on both Catholic and Puritan dissenters highlighted the challenges Elizabeth faced in her quest for a unified religious identity in England, setting the stage for future conflicts in the centuries to come.