GCSE Edexcel History - Elizabeth Course Timeline

People - Philip II, King of Spain (1527 - 1598)

May 21, 1527

Spanish king who inherited a vast empire including Spain, the Netherlands, the Americas and parts of Italy. Devout Catholic, against Protestantism. Planned failed Spanish Armada attempt to invade England to restore Catholicism. Supported the arts and the Spanish Golden Age in literature and painting. Cautious and deliberate ruler who believed in absolute royal authority with strict control over his empire.

People - Elizabeth I, Queen of England (1533 - 1603)

Sep 7, 1533

Carefully crafted her public image, creating a vision of strength, wisdom and divine right. Was cautious in foreign policy and avoided major wars when possible, choosing diplomacy and alliances. Strong-willed and independent character allowed her to rule safe from foreign influence as the "Virgin Queen". She encouraged a flourishing cultural period, by supporting playwrights, poets, musicians such as Shakespeare. However she was often indecisive and her rule became less stable as time went on.

People - Sir Francis Drake (1540 - 1596)

1540

Explorer and privateer. First Englishman to circumnavigate the globe between 1577 - 1580 which challenged Spanish dominance in the Americas. Authorised by Elizabeth to raid Spanish ships and colonies, weakening Spanish power significantly. Played a crucial role in the defeat of the 1588 Spanish Armada, serving as vice-admiral. Bold and adventurous, ruthless and opportunistic. Many deem as a national hero an was knighted Apr 4 1581, first English privateer to be knighted.

People - Mary, Queen of Scots (1542 - 1587)

Dec 8, 1542

Mary, Queen of Scots (aka Mary Stuart or Mary I of Scotland) was Queen of Scotland until abdication in 1567. Married to Lord Darnley (Catholic nobleman), Earl of Bothwell (suspect of involvement in Darnley's death) which led to Mary's imprisonment. After fleeing to England in 1568, expecting support from Elizabeth, she was imprisoned since Elizabeth saw her as a threat to the English throne. Mary was convicted of treason and executed 8 Feb 1587.

People - Sir Walter Raleigh (1552 - 1618)

1552

Prominent English statesman, soldier, writer and explorer. Played significant role in English colonisation of the Americas, sponsoring three expeditions to Roanoke Island (1584 - 1587), North Carolina, although none were successful. Was a favourite of Elizabeth with charming personality and eloquent speeches, held an important role in the court. Helped to defend England during the Spanish Armada.

Event - Elizabeth becomes Queen of England

Nov 17, 1558

She succeeds Mary I after she died childless and goes on for a 44 year reign.

Policy - Act of Supremacy signed

1559

Part of the religious settlement which declared Elizabeth the supreme governor of the Church of England. This was a compromise between Catholics and Protestants. All clergy and public officials must swear an oath of allegiance to the queen as the head of the church.

Policy - Royal Injunctions signed

1559

Part of the religious settlement which were a set of instructions issued by Elizabeth to the clergy. This act ensured that the clergy followed the religious settlement to promote good order in the church.

Policy - Act of Uniformity signed

1559

Part of the religious settlement which established the Book of Common Prayer as the official liturgy (customary public ritual of worship performed by a religious group) of the Church of England. All clergy were required to wear the same vestments prescribed by the Book of Common Prayer. Church design changed following the act on more simpler Protestant designs. Some Catholic symbols were removed like images of saints or stained glass windows which depicted Catholic stories.

Policy - Treaty of Hampton Court signed

Sep 22, 1562

Elizabeth agreed to provide military support to the French Huguenots (Protestant) by sending 6,000 English troops to France. Huguenots returned port city of Le Havre as a pledge, to be held by the English until Calais was returned to England which was lost in 1558. Elizabeth was unable to maintain control of Le Havre, Elizabeth received criticism for involvement in foreign religious affairs, relations with Huguenots strained due to inadequate support.

Event - Revolt of the Northern Earls

1569

The Rising of the North (aka the Revolt of the Northern Earls) was a failed rebellion against Elizabeth. Led by Catholic nobles, Earls of Northumberland and Westmorland, feeling that Catholicism was being suppressed by the government. Durham was occupied by rebels and they celebrated Mass publicly to defy the government. The rebellion failed to gain widespread support and many in the north remained loyal to the queen. Elizabeth's army, led by the Earl of Sussex quickly defeated the rebellion.

Plot - Ridolfi Plot

1571

Attempt to overthrow Elizabeth and replace her with Mary QoS. Roberto Ridolfi, Italian banker sent messages between England, Spain and the Vatican to coordinate the plot. Elizabeth would be assassinated. Spanish army, led by Duke of Alva would invade England. Catholic uprisings would occur throughout England to support the Spanish invasion. Mary QoS would be placed on the throne. The plot was uncovered by Walsingham, Ridolfi arrested and interrogated, Duke of Norfolk executed.

Sport & Leisure - The Theatre built

1576

The first purpose-built theatre in London, professionalising the performance industry and catalysing the growth of theatre during Elizabeth's reign.

Plot - Throckmorton Plot

1583

Sir Francis Throckmorton sent messages between various conspirators. Planned to overthrow Elizabeth, free Mary QoS and restore Catholicism in England. Plot was uncovered by Walsingham through his extensive intelligence network. Led to increased persecution of Catholics as Elizabeth sought to suppress threats to her rule. Relations with Spain were strained, growing tensions for the Spanish Armada attack.

Plot - Babington Plot

1586

Anthony Babington was a young English Catholic. Planned to assassinate Elizabeth, free Mary QoS from prison. A Spanish army would invade England to support uprising and Catholicism would be restored. Walsingham intercepted letters between Mary QoS and Babington leading to execution of Mary and Babington. Mary QoS tried to plead innocent but was executed in 1587. Relations with Spain were strained, growing tensions for the Spanish Armada attack.