Early Elizabethan England, 1558 - 88

The Elizabethan Settlement, Mary - Queen of Scots and The Spanish Armada

What you'll learn

Analyze the political, religious, and economic challenges Elizabeth I faced and evaluate her initial policy responses.

Explain key plots against Elizabeth I and assess the role of Mary, Queen of Scots in these events.

Evaluate England's foreign policy with Spain and how naval developments contributed to its growing influence.

Describe social and economic conditions, differentiating between the gentry and the poor, and assessing London's growth.

Requirements

Basic English reading and writing skills – to understand content and complete written tasks.

An interest in history or historical change – especially related to politics, religion, and monarchy.

Access to a notebook or digital device – for taking notes and completing short tasks or quizzes.

A quiet space with internet access – to watch video lessons and engage with interactive content.

Description

This course provides a comprehensive exploration of Early Elizabethan England during the foundational years of Elizabeth I's reign, from 1558 to 1588. This was a critical period that saw the young queen navigate a treacherous landscape of political instability, religious division, and international rivalry. The course aims to move beyond a simple narrative of events, instead inviting learners to analyze the complex web of challenges and decisions that ultimately defined Elizabeth's rule and laid the groundwork for England's rise as a global power.A central theme of the course is the Elizabethan Settlement, Elizabeth's masterful attempt to forge a religious compromise through the Acts of Supremacy and Uniformity. We will delve into the challenges she faced in establishing a moderate Protestant church, examining the threats from both fervent Catholics who sought to restore papal authority and radical Puritans who desired further reform. This section will highlight how religious policy was inextricably linked to domestic and foreign policy, shaping the loyalties of her subjects and the actions of her European rivals.Another major focus is the political and religious threat posed by Mary, Queen of Scots. We will trace Mary's journey from her return to Scotland to her flight to England, her long imprisonment, and her role as a figurehead for numerous Catholic plots against Elizabeth's life. We will analyze significant conspiracies like the Ridolfi and Babington plots, scrutinizing the motivations of the conspirators and the intricate intelligence networks Elizabeth’s spymaster, Sir Francis Walsingham, developed to counter them. Her execution in 1587 serves as a powerful case study in the high-stakes politics of the era.Another major focus is the political and religious threat posed by Mary, Queen of Scots. We will trace Mary's journey from her return to Scotland to her flight to England, her long imprisonment, and her role as a figurehead for numerous Catholic plots against Elizabeth's life. We will analyze significant conspiracies like the Ridolfi and Babington plots, scrutinizing the motivations of the conspirators and the intricate intelligence networks Elizabeth’s spymaster, Sir Francis Walsingham, developed to counter them. Her execution in 1587 serves as a powerful case study in the high-stakes politics of the era.By the end of this course, learners will be equipped to analyze Elizabeth I’s strategic genius and understand how her policies in religion, foreign affairs, and domestic governance steered England through its most dangerous years. The course will give learners the tools to interpret primary sources, evaluate historical arguments, and appreciate the lasting legacy of a queen who, against all odds, ushered in a golden age.

Overview

Section 1: Government on Elizabeth's accession

Lecture 1 Government on Elizabeth's accession

Section 2: Society on Elizabeth's accession

Lecture 2 Society on Elizabeth's accession

Section 3: Virgin Queen: legitimacy, gender and marriage

Lecture 3 Virgin Queen: legitimacy, gender and marriage

Section 4: Virgin Queen: character and strengths

Lecture 4 Virgin Queen: Character and Strengths

Section 5: Challenges at home: financial weaknesses

Lecture 5 Challenges at Home: Financial Weaknesses

Section 6: Challenges abroad: France, Scotland and Spain

Lecture 6 Challenges Abroad: France, Scotland and Spain

Section 7: Religious divisions in England in 1558

Lecture 7 Religious divisions in England in 1558

Section 8: Elizabeth’s religious settlement

Lecture 8 Elizabeth’s religious settlement

Section 9: Church of England: its role in society

Lecture 9 Church of England: Its Role in Society

Section 10: The Puritan challenge

Lecture 10 The Puritan Challenge

Section 11: The Catholic Challenge at Home

Lecture 11 The Catholic Challenge at Home

Section 12: The Catholic challenge abroad

Lecture 12 The Catholic challenge abroad

Section 13: Mary’s claim to the throne and arrival in England

Lecture 13 Mary’s claim to the throne and arrival in England

Section 14: Mary vs Elizabeth

Lecture 14 Mary vs Elizabeth: A Royal Rivalry

Section 15: The Revolt of the Northern Earls

Lecture 15 The Revolt of the Northern Earls

Section 16: The Ridolfi plot

Lecture 16 The Ridolfi Plot

Section 17: The Throckmorton and Babington Plots

Lecture 17 The Throckmorton and Babington Plots

Section 18: Walsingham’s Spies

Lecture 18 Walsingham’s Spies

Section 19: Spain: political and religious rivalry

Lecture 19 Spain: political and religious rivalry

Section 20: Elizabeth's relationship with Spain

Lecture 20 Elizabeth's relationship with Spain

Section 21: The Spanish Armada

Lecture 21 The Spanish Armada

Section 22: Elizabethan Education: A Social Overview

Lecture 22 Elizabethan Education: A Social Overview

Section 23: Elizabethan Leisure

Lecture 23 Elizabethan Leisure

Section 24: The Problem of the Poor in Elizabethan England

Lecture 24 The Problem of the Poor in Elizabethan England

Section 25: Exploration and Voyages of Discovery

Lecture 25 Exploration and Voyages of Discovery

Year 10 and Year 11 students preparing for exams who want clear, structured revision support.,Home-schooled learners looking for a complete, curriculum-aligned resource.,Teachers or tutors seeking high-quality video content to supplement their teaching.,Parents supporting their child’s GCSE History learning at home.