Elizabeth's Favourites

?
  • Created by: ava.scott
  • Created on: 11-04-14 13:43

Burghley 1588-1598

Offices-  1558- Made Secretary of state

1561- Master of Court of Wards

1572- Lord Treasurer

Patronage- 1572- Made Lord Burghley

Allies/Enemies-Very close companion to Elizabeth. His son, Robert, was also a important Courtier. He didn't get along with Robert Dudley, who wanted a more ambitious foreign policy. 

Why influential? Very loyal to the Queen, serving her for decades- he had her complete trust. He was also very well educated.

How much influence?As Secretary of State he had massive influnece over the Crown's administration and records.

Impact of death/downfall- Small impact, as he had trained his son Robert to take his place in a smooth transition.

1 of 6

Raleigh

Offices-

1585-1588- Captain of the Queen's bodyguard. Vice admiral of Devon and Cornwall.

Wealth/Patronage- Knighted in 1585. Monopoly of Playing Cards.Vast estates in England and Ireland.

Allies/Enemies- He and Hatton didn't get along.

Reason for influence- Exceptional in military and diplomatic missions.Flamboyant and attractive.

How much influence- Little, especially after 1595, as he was involved in a scandal with one of Elizabeth's maids, Elizabeth Throckmorton.

Impact of death-

Little, as he had fallen out of favour by his death in 1618. This was especially due to his involvment in aplot against King James I, in wich he was imprisoned in the Tower.

2 of 6

Leicester (Dudley)

Offices1558- Master of the Horse (on E's accession). 1587-Member of Privy Council. Lieutenant-General of Netherlands Army

Wealth/Patronage-Large estates and export licences-  Monolpoly on Sweet Wines. Made Earl of Leicester in 1564.

Allies/Enemies-  Burghley didn't trust or like Leicesters influence.

Reason for Influence- Elizabeth adored him for his charisma and looks. He had also made great efforts in battles against France. His influence was unusual in that it faced many obstacles e.g. his fathers support of Lady Jane Grey, and the scandal over his wife's death in 1560.

How much influence- A lot, especially in marriage, as he wouldn't let Elizabeth marry anyone but himself e.g. The Duke of Anjou was rejected in 1581

Impact of Death- Died 1588 after Netherlands expedition. Caused Essex to become in favour.

3 of 6

Essex (Devereux)

Offices- 1587 Master of Horse. 1596 commanded the Cadiz force. 1593 Member of Privy Council. 1599-Lord Leiutenant of Ireland

Wealth/Patronage- 1588-Monopoly on sweet wines. Various military titles

Allies/Enemies- Cecil particularly didnt like him, and they argued over many things such as the succession.

Reason for Influence- He was good looking, eloquent and educated; this attracted Elizabeth. He was also the step-son of Leicester. He had a few military successes.

How much influence Too much at first. Elizabeth couldn't but grant him everything he wanted. He had a place on the Privy Council and lead two major military expeditions including Ireland.

Impact of downfall-  In Ireland, he ignored all his military advantages, and had to sign a truce in 1599. This had been forbidden by Elizabeth; he lost all his titles and priviledges.

He then lead a coup d'etat against the Queen in 1601. It was quickly squashed, Essex was sentenced to treason and executed. This allowed Cecil's power to be unchallenged.

4 of 6

Walshingham

Offices1563- MP for Lyme Regis. 1570- Ambassador for Paris1573- Privy council member. 1573- Secretary for Foreign Affairs

Wealth/Patronage- 1578- Chancellor of the order of the Garter. 1587- Duchy of Lancaster

Allies/Enemies- Extreme protestantism caused conflict between Elizabeth and he, but she still repsected him.

Reason for Influence Very well educated in law and languages. Priceless help in Elizabeths intelligence security.

How much influence A lot, especially in Foreign affairs. Influenced Elizabeths decison to support the Hugenots in France. Stayed a Privy councillor until his death in 1590.

Impact of death 

Very little.

5 of 6

Robert Cecil (Salisbury)

Offices: MP for Westminister, 1591-Privy Council, 1596- Assumes Secretary of State

Patronage: Duties on satin and silk. Master of the court of wards.

Allies and Enemies: Good relationship with James VI. He and Essex clashed, preventing him from becoming Secretary earlier.

Reasons for Influence: Father was Lord Burghley. Very clever- educated at Cambridge. Logical and organised Cadiz expedition in 1596.

How much influence: Loads as Secretary; he controlled patronage. He organised the succession. In Jame's reign he helped with finance and suggested the Great Contract.

Impact of death: 1612- last of Elizabeths original privy council to survive. 

6 of 6

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar History resources:

See all History resources »See all British monarchy - Tudors and Stuarts resources »