Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex favourite of Elizabeth's - stepson of Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester and son of Lettice Knollys
1 of 20
Why were there difficulties with Essex?
He and the Cecils were competing for power; he attempted to rule court and rival their policies
2 of 20
When did struggles reach crisis point? Why?
July 1598 discussions over the new Lord Deputy of Ireland, Essex disagreed and walked out on Elizabeth with his back turned, she recalled him, slapped him round the face and dismissed him from court
3 of 20
When did William Cecil die?
William Cecil, Lord Burghley died on 4th August 1598
4 of 20
What happened to Robert Cecil?
He became Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Master of the Court of Wards, and one of his protégés, Lord Buckhurst, became Lord Treasurer
5 of 20
What happened to Essex?
He was appointed Lieutenant in Ireland in March 1599
6 of 20
What did he do then?
Returned to Court in 1599 having failed to put down the Earl of Tyrone's rebellion in September he burst unannounced into Elizabeth's bechamber
7 of 20
How did Elizabeth respond?
He was charged with maladministration and abandoning his command and suspended from the Privy Council and put under house arrest
8 of 20
Why did Essex feel rebellion was his only option?
In summer of 1600 he was charged with treason for allegedly conspiring with Spain and the Pope; then Elizabeth destroyed Essex's credit structure in September by refusing to renew his patents on the import of sweet wines
9 of 20
Who aided him?
Earls of Southhampton, Bedford and Rutland
10 of 20
Religious views?
Blount, Danvers, Catesby and Tresham were all Catholics and Essex was a Protestant
11 of 20
Foreign policy views?
Essex favoured a more vigorous, daring policy in the Netherlands, in France and at sea, while Cecil was keen to reduce commitments.
12 of 20
What was the plan?
To seize Whitehall where Elizabeth was and the Tower in order to use it as a military base. Once this had been achieved a parliament would be called, the Privy Council purged and the succession guaranteed to James VI of Scotland.
13 of 20
How long did it last? When?
8th February 1601 over in 12 hours
14 of 20
What happened?
Only 3 supporters came to Essex’s home
15 of 20
How did the Queen respond?
4 Privy Councillors arrived with a message of conciliation from the Queen but they were taken hostage
16 of 20
What did the rebels do next?
They went to the Sheriff’s house for reinforcements but he refused to aid them
17 of 20
What happened to Essex?
He was captured and executed on 25th February aged 35
18 of 20
Why did it fail?
Unable to raise sufficient force; anti-Cecil faction was not an organised group' lacked feudal ties and was let down by many friends
19 of 20
Why didn't the commons join him? Gentry?
Government reform, Ezliabeth's Poor Law, had been positive: The gentry had found that there were other ways to put forward grievances with debates in Parliament
20 of 20
Other cards in this set
Card 2
Front
Why were there difficulties with Essex?
Back
He and the Cecils were competing for power; he attempted to rule court and rival their policies
Comments
No comments have yet been made