Elizabethan Settlement
History: Edexcel A Level England, 1509-1603, topic 2.1.5
Impact of Religious Change During Elizabeth I's Reign
Elizabeth I tried to find a middle ground between Catholicism and radical Protestantism. Inevitably, not everyone would be happy with her settlement.
A compromise
- Elizabeth was trying to find a compromise between Catholicism and radical Protestantism.
- Through the Act of Supremacy, Elizabeth was the head of the Church.
- But many aspects of religious worship contained the traditional rituals of the Catholic Church.
Protestant opponents
- Many hardline Protestants were dissatisfied with the Elizabethan settlement and wanted her to pursue further reform.
- Protestant reformers tried to pressure Elizabeth I.
- Margaret Aston has analysed a painting called 'Edward VI and the Pope' which used Edward VI's reputation as a strong Protestant to pressure Elizabeth I to further her own reforms.
Catholic opponents
- Almost all the Catholic bishops that were installed by Mary refused to accept Elizabeth's settlement and were dismissed from their positions.
- Some ministers refused to use the new Prayer Book and continued to use the Catholic Prayer Book.
A successful settlement?
- But the opposition to Elizabeth's settlement was relatively minimal and non-violent.
- Elizabeth's settlement was also accepted internationally. Arguably, this is because figures such as the Pope and King Philip II believed Elizabeth I could be eventually persuaded back to Catholicism.
The Elizabethan Settlement
To consolidate her power, Elizabeth I had to stabilise England internally. The main priority was to deal with religion.
Causes of the Elizabethan Settlement
- The Elizabethan Settlement was a reaction to the religious schism (divisions) in England.
- England's religion had fluctuated during the reigns of Tudor monarchs.
The Act of Supremacy
- The Act of Supremacy was passed in 1559.
- This act reiterated Henry VIII's Act of Supremacy in 1534, by stating that the Church of England was independent of Rome.
- Elizabeth I was made the Supreme Governor of the Church.
The Act of Uniformity
- The Act of Uniformity was passed in 1559.
- This act established the Church of England's religious doctrine.
- Most importantly, the act legitimated the Book of Common Prayer.
- The Act was very contentious, only passing through Parliament by three votes.
The Book of Common Prayer
- The Book of Common Prayer outlines the Church's liturgy.
- It set out prayers and services.
- Although the Book of Common Prayer was Protestant in doctrine, it contained elements of traditional worship. For example:
- Clergymen could wear vestments (religious robes).
- This book combined the language from Edward VI's moderate Prayer Book in 1549 and his more radical one in 1552.
39 Articles
- The 39 Articles were published in 1563 (and would become part of the law in 1571).
- This stated the Church of England's position in relation to the Catholic Church and radical Protestants.
Evaluation of the Elizabethan Settlement
- Elizabeth was trying to find a compromise between Catholicism and radical Protestantism.
- Through the Act of Supremacy, Elizabeth was the head of the Church.
- But many aspects of religious worship contained the traditional rituals of the Catholic Church.
- Elizabeth's religious settlement was divisive and many hardline Protestants were disappointed.
Test yourself on Elizabethan Settlement
What was Elizabeth I trying to find between Catholicism and radical Protestantism?
What was opposition to the Elizabethan settlement at home?
What was the Book of Common Prayer?
What did the 39 Articles of 1563 state?