Parliament After the Reformation
History: Edexcel A Level England, 1509-1603, topic 1.2.3
Parliament Under Mary I and Elizabeth I
Although still closely managed by the Crown, and called or dismissed at the monarch’s pleasure, the development of the role and importance of Parliament was reinforced under Mary I and Elizabeth I.
The importance of Parliament under Mary I
- Although Mary I scrapped all Reformation legislation, including the Royal Supremacy, she used parliament.
- Mary I could not force the return of Church lands as parliament was made up of landowners who had benefitted and would not agree to this measure.
- Mary’s plan to confiscate the property of English Protestants who had fled abroad was not passed.
The importance of Parliament under Elizabeth I
- Elizabeth I used parliament to return England to Protestantism, although had to make concessions on the Royal Supremacy and use other tactics, for it to pass – although her problem was mainly with the Lords, specifically the Marian bishops.
- Elizabeth did, however, use the royal prerogative to stop them discussing issues such as the succession, her marriage and Mary, Queen of Scots.
- She also reminded the Commons of her status as their monarch (e.g. 1566-7).
Test yourself on Parliament After the Reformation
What could Mary I not force through parliament?