The triumph of Elizabeth, 1563–1603 (A Level History AQA- A* Summary Notes)
Elizabeth I
Princess Elizabeth: the years of turmoil
Early Life:
• Henry and Anne married in secrecy before the ‘annulment’ went through. The
marriage was consummated, and by the time Anne came back to court, she was
four months pregnant
• This quick fertility they were sure showed God was on their side, they were
convinced it was a boy. Elizabeth was born at Greewich 7th September 1533– both
were openly disappointed
• The new princess was christened Elizabeth after Henrys mother Elizabeth of
York, and Annes mother, Elizabeth Howard
• She was set up in her own household, as was custom
• Henry and Anne together, and sometimes just Anne, made visits to their
daughter with regularity. On occasion, Elizabeth would also be joining the royal
court where she could be seen in public
• When she was two, her mother was executed. Although it is likely she knew
not much about that as she was being bought up by a governess in the court, her
lifestyle changed considerably
• She was declared a bastard, and much like Mary before her, became a lady in
Edward’s household
• Subsequent queens were kind to her- and she was considerably impacted by
the execution of Katherine Howard when she was eight
• Jane Seymour was cold towards her
• Good relationship with Anne of Cleves and set it up a good education
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,The triumph of Elizabeth, 1563–1603 (A Level History AQA- A* Summary Notes)
• Elizabeth was Katherine Howards cousin. Ensures her education is improved,
condition and nurses improved, and persuades her to be let back to court
• After her death it then creates an upheaval for Elisabeth
• Whilst in her brother’s household, she was educated by a cousin of her
mother- her intelligence and political mindedness was much admired
• She was loyal to her father despite everything, and was said to her loved him
dearly
• She quickly became friends with the young Edward, and was therefore
suddenly seen as important against amongst the court
• She was 14 when Henry died in 1547. Not a traumatic event, as death through
old age was expected and Henry had been a remote figure in her life. Had been
bought up under the stability of the Parr household. Named third in line of the
succession in the Succession act of 1544
• During Edwards reign she lived in Thomas Seymour's household (parr had just
married him)
• Here, both Seymour and parr sexually harassed- and possibly sexually
assaulted the teenager. Thomas has resented the power and wealth this his brother
enjoyed and flirted with the princess at their house, Chelsea manor.
• She was finally sent away by Parr, when she saw them ‘embracing’
• When parr died a few days after giving birth to their daughter, Thomas
attempted to marry her and overthrow his brother, and was executed for this as it
was seen as a direct challenge to somersets authority
• No part in plan to change the succession in 1553 to Lady Jane Grey.
• Taken to the Tower of London after the Wyatt Rebellion despite likely having
no involvement, entering through the traitor's gate. Elizabeth expected the worth
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,The triumph of Elizabeth, 1563–1603 (A Level History AQA- A* Summary Notes)
and Mary refused to see her. Taken to a country house in Oxford shire where she
was under virtual house arrest for the remainder of Marys' reign. Pressure put on
Elizabeth to accept the catholic mass, but she was learning to keep her thoughts
and beliefs to herself- a trait exhibited when she became queen
Elizabeth I and the abuse of Thomas Seymour:
• Thomas jealous of his brother Duke of Somerset
• Ambitious and took opportunities. Head strong and not thinking about the
result of his actions
• Castle in Gloucester
• Wanted to marry Elisabeth or Mary. But this was vetoed by court. Marriage to
Catharine parr.
• Seward was her stepfather and guardian which she abused
• He was 40 and she was 14
• Catherine parr was diseased by these antics, others were worried by his attics-
cat Ashley
• Seymour got hold of the key to her bedroom, only partly dressed. Elizabeth
confused by his behaviour. Flattered and scared by his attention. Hid in bed
curtains or get dressed early
• Catherine parr became pregnant his flirtation grew more serious. Catherine
could not believe what was happening and then left no choice. Interview in which
she hardly spoke she sent Elisabeth away
• Seward now wanted to remarry Elisabeth after cathartines death. Elizabeth
goes along with this perhaps due to manipulation of her nurses and maids as more
control with being with Thomas. Thomas wanted personal power. Wanted Edward
on his side. Wanted to abduct the king. Lived in the chambers beside the king.
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, The triumph of Elizabeth, 1563–1603 (A Level History AQA- A* Summary Notes)
Thomas arrested for treason eventually. Relationship with Elisabeth meant she
was interrogated. Cat Ashley arrested. Under threat of torture these were used
against Elisabeth. Elizabeth refused to admit any wrongdoing. Complained to
somerset after rumours of pregnancy. Nothing could be proved
• March 1549 somerset signed his brother death warrant and he was executed
• Trusted nobody. Kept her own court
Early Life:
• When Edward Seymour tried to overthrow Edward VI, it was Elisabeth's
friendship with her brother that saved her
• She was moved to court, and continued her good education, before being
allowed to return to her family’s Household
• When Northumberland tried to take power, he summoned her and Mary to
court in an attempt to ‘do away’ with them- Williams Cecil uncovered the plot and
warned her. Elizabeth was with Mary as she entered London and leading role in
coronation
• Questionable involvement during Wyatt’s rebellion-briefly imprisoned in the
tower before being returned to Hatfield house
• As she was Mary’s heir, had frequent ‘meetings’ with her, to try to resolve the
religious differences
• Once it was clear Mary was ill, many moved attentions to Elizabeth, including
Phillip who sent Count of Feria to encourage marriage Elizabeth started to plan
her government from October 1558, a month before Mary’s death
Elizabeth’s character:
• Inherited traits from her father such as a quick temper as well as the way she
could charm people
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