Elizabethan England Topic Summaries

Elizabeth’s Religious Settlement

GCSE > History > WJEC > GCSE History: Elizabethan England (1558-1603) > Religious challenges and plots > Elizabeth’s Religious Settlement
Previous Module
Next Module

Key terms
  • Elizabeth I became Queen in 1558 after the Catholic reign of Mary I who had reversed many Protestant reforms. 
  • England was deeply divided between Catholics and Protestants.
  • Elizabeth aimed to restore Protestantism while avoiding extreme policies that might provoke rebellion. 
  • Her approach became known as the ‘Middle Way’ – a compromise between Catholic and Protestant practices.
    • The Church remained Protestant in doctrine but retained some Catholic-style traditions. For example, clergy could marry, unlike under Catholicism. Church interiors were simplified but not completely stripped of decoration. Bishops remained in place, preserving the hierarchical structure of the Catholic Church.
    • This balance aimed to satisfy moderate Protestants and avoid alienating Catholics.
  • Act of Supremacy (1559):
    • Elizabeth was declared Supreme Governor of the Church of England. This avoided the more controversial title of ‘Supreme Head,’ which had caused opposition under Henry VIII.
    • All clergy and government officials had to swear an oath of loyalty to Elizabeth as head of the Church. Those who refused could be removed from office or punished.
  • Act of Uniformity (1559):
    • All churches were required to use the Book of Common Prayer.
    • Church services had to be conducted in English.
    • Attendance at Church of England services was compulsory.
    • Failure to attend resulted in fines.
  • The wording of the Settlement was carefully balanced to avoid upsetting either side too much.
  • Many people accepted the Settlement because it offered stability, even though some Catholics resented the loss of traditional worship.
  • Puritans believed the Church had not gone far enough in removing Catholic practices. Elizabeth resisted pressure from both extremes to maintain control.
  • Early in Elizabeth’s reign, enforcement was relatively mild. After 1580, Catholic threats increased due to foreign intervention and missionary activity. Hence, laws became stricter, and punishments for recusancy (refusing to attend church) were increased. Catholic priests were hunted down and executed for treason.

Unlock Elizabeth’s Religious Settlement

Subscribe to SnapRevise+ to get immediate access to the rest of this resource.

Premium accounts get immediate access to this resource.

Previous Module
Next Module