The Religious Settlement

Catholics and Protestants were branches of Christianity that disagreed with each other about many beliefs and practices.

Catholic and Protestant beliefs

Catholics believed in transubstantiation, a process where the bread and wine of communion turned into the body and blood of Christ as it was eaten/drunk.
Protestants believed that the communion elements merely symbolised Jesus.
Another debate was around the authority of the Pope. In England, the King or Queen had become leader of the Protestant church.

The religious settlement

Elizabeth was Protestant, but she also understood the need for religious compromise.
She tried to find common grounds between Catholics and Protestants. This is often called the ‘religious settlement’.
The clergy had to swear an oath to Elizabeth, the clergy could marry and not attending church led to a 1 shilling fine.

Acts of Uniformity and Supremacy

The Act of Uniformity of 1559 said that services should be held in English, using the Book of Common Prayer. But, Catholics were free to worship how they wanted in private and they could keep some decorations and vestments (Priests’ robes). They re-established Protestantism in England.
Elizabeth styled herself ‘governor’ of the Church of England, rather than the ‘head’ in the Act of Supremacy of 1559. This gave room for the Pope to remain the nominal Head of the Church.
Matthew Parker, a moderate Protestant, was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury and priests were allowed to marry.

Outcomes

These reforms meant that England was a more secular society.
Protestantism was the official religion of England, but peace and stability were more likely if Catholicism was also accepted, instead of persecuted.

1Queen, Government & Religion

1.1Elizabeth I & her Court

1.1.1Elizabeth's Accession

1.1.2Elizabeth's Court

1.1.3The French Threat

1.1.4End of Topic Test - Elizabeth I & her Court

1.1.5Grade 9 - Elizabeth I & her Court

1.1.6Exam-Style Questions - French Threats

1.2Elizabeth's Opponents in Court & Parliament

1.2.1The Difficulties of Being a Female Ruler

1.2.2Mary Queen of Scots

1.2.3End of Topic Test - Elizabeth's Opponents

1.2.4Grade 9 - Elizabeth's Opponents

1.2.5Exam-Style Questions - Mary Queen of Scots

2Challenges to Elizabeth at Home & Abroad

2.1The Religious Settlement

2.1.1Henry VIII's Protestant Legacy

2.1.2The Religious Settlement

2.1.3Religious Threats to Elizabeth I

2.1.4End of Topic Test - The Religious Settlement

2.1.5Grade 9 - Challenges at Home & Abroad

2.1.6Exam-Style Questions - Religious Threats

2.2Rebellion & War

2.2.1Plots & Revolts at Home 1569-88

2.2.2War with Spain

2.2.3End of Topic Test - Challenges at Home and Abroad

2.2.4Grade 9 - Rebellion and War

2.2.5Exam-Style Questions - Northern Rebellion

3Elizabethan Society 1558-88

3.1Education & Leisure

3.1.1Leisure & Education under Elizabeth

3.1.2End of Topic Test - Education & Leisure

3.2The Poor & Living Standards

3.2.1Living Standards & the Gentry

3.2.2Paupers & Charity under Elizabeth

3.2.3End of Topic Test - Elizabethan Society

3.2.4Exam-Style Questions - Poverty

3.3Exploration & Discovery

3.3.1Navigation & Exploration under Elizabeth

3.3.2End of Topic Test - Exploration and Discovery

3.3.3Grade 9 - Elizabethan Society & Navigation

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