Queen Elizabeth’s Treatment of Catholics Essay -- British History

Queen Elizabeth’s Treatment of Catholics The reformation of England had been a long drawn out affair dating back to King Henry VIII’s Act of Supremacy in 1534. By the accession of Elizabeth in 1558, many historians believe that she inherited a country, which was still predominantly Catholic in belief. Although people of South Eastern England were likely to be influenced by the peoples of Europe, who were experiencing reforms, Doran (1994) suggests that the number of Protestants accounted for just 14 per cent of the population of Sussex and less than 10 per cent in Kent. Whether rural lifestyles were largely unaffected by changing religious doctrine due to a primitive communications network or general disinterest, as long as the laity were allowed to continue living as they had previously, is open for debate. However the attitudes of city dwellers in London, England’s premier city and official residence of the monarchy were quite different. The brief rule of Queen Mary, Elizabeth’s predecessor and Catholic half sister had brought about the restoration of Catholic practices and also a regime of Protestant persecution. Public executions of branded heretics proved to have an adverse reaction as it created strong anti-Catholic sentiment and rather than to extirpate the Protestant faith, those who converted to Protestantism, if they were not exiled went underground. Described by Briscoe (2000), Elizabeth I is considered to be one of the country’s most successful and popular monarchs. Unlike the reign of her sister Mary, which was by and large disastrous, Elizabeth made herself a powerful image of female authority ‘through the embellishment and through concrete policies that she urged her nation to follow’ (Jagger (1995)). Her policies could be attributed to the rigorous education she received as a child, which included history, languages, moral philosophy, theology and rhetoric. Her tutor Roger Ascham believed her mind to have no ‘womanly weaknesses, and her perseverance and memory to be equal to that of a man’ (Jagger (1995)). As an adult however, although very intelligent, ruthless and calculating at times, she was also renowned for her indecisive nature. This was due to the fact that ‘she sought peace above all other objects’ (Johnson (1974) p2): a trait, which many historians believe to have come from her father. Elizabeth viewed Catholicism as ... ... Doran S. (1994), Elizabeth I and religion 1558 – 1603, p48  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Routledge Doran S. (1994), Elizabeth I and religion 1558 – 1603, p7 Routledge Doran S. (1994), Elizabeth I and religion 1558 – 1603. Routledge Jagger A. (1995) The life of Elizabeth I www.luminarium.org/renlit/eliza.htm Johnson P. (1974) Elizabeth: A Study in Power and Intellect Weidenfeld & Nicolson Johnson P. (1974) Elizabeth: A Study in Power and Intellect Weidenfeld & Nicolson Johnson P. (1974) Elizabeth: A Study in Power and Intellect Weidenfeld & Nicolson Queen Elizabeth I quote: Modern History Sourcebook: Queen Elizabeth I of England Selected Writing and Speeches http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/elizabeth1.html McGrath P. 1967, Papists and Puritans under Elizabeth I, Blandford Press McGrath P. 1967, Papists and Puritans under Elizabeth I, Blandford Press Warren J. (1998), Elizabeth I: Religion and foreign affairs, Hodder & Stoughton Warren J. (1998), Elizabeth I: Religion and foreign affairs, p66 Hodder & Stoughton Warren J. (1998), Elizabeth I: Religion and foreign affairs, p69 Hodder & Stoughton Warren J. (1998), Elizabeth I: Religion and foreign affairs. Hodder & Stoughton   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚