Elizabethan England Topic Summaries

Elizabeth’s legitimacy and early challenges

GCSE > History > AQA > GCSE History: Elizabethan England (1558-1603) > Elizabeth’s accession > Elizabeth’s legitimacy and early challenges
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Key terms
  • Elizabeth had been declared illegitimate after Anne Boleyn’s execution. Her legitimacy was restored by Parliament in 1559, but doubts remained
  • Catholics believed Mary, Queen of Scots, (Elizabeth’s first cousin once removed) had a stronger claim to the throne.
  • England had never had a long-reigning female monarch before Elizabeth. Many believed women were unsuited to rule due to traditional gender expectations, but Elizabeth overcame prejudices by projecting strength and authority. She used masculine and feminine imagery in speeches to maintain respect.
  • Parliament pressured Elizabeth to marry to secure the succession.
  • Elizabeth considered several suitors, including Philip II of Spain and the Duke of Anjou, but a powerful husband could threaten Elizabeth’s authority, and marriage risked foreign influence over England.
  • Elizabeth remained unmarried throughout her reign, preserving her independence. However, her refusal to name an heir created uncertainty and political instability as various plotters sought to claim the throne.
  • Parliament wanted Elizabeth to marry and name an heir; Elizabeth disliked their interference in personal matters. She used royal authority to limit parliamentary debate, and even dissolved Parliament when it challenged her policies.
  • Limits to Parliament:
    • Elizabeth selected the Speaker and her councillors chose the Members of Parliament (MPs) and organised the agenda to control what topics could be discussed.
    • Unlike contemporary UK Parliament, there were no political parties or Prime Ministers, and all MPs were wealthy men. Women would not earn the right to vote until 1918.
    • MPs who challenged Elizabeth’s authority were imprisoned
    • Elizabeth attended Parliament herself when she needed important laws passed.
    • Elizabeth had the power to dissolve Parliament whenever she wished (and she did so multiple times).
    • Parliament only met 13 times in her 45-year reign, averaging just three weeks per year, showing how infrequently she needed them and how eager she was to suspend their influence

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