Elizabeth - patronage, factions and favourites Politics and government depended upon court patronage, patrons and clients

Patronage Honours – titles, offices, pensions, trade privileges, low rents, leases, etc Granted by the crown to loyal servants, courtiers, nobles, gentry and governing class

Why? It supplemented low pay to ministers etc (a salary package) No standing army or paid civil service – had to rely on prospect of being rewarded to get government policy implemented in rural areas (similar to giving knighthoods today to prominent businessmen and political donors)

Patrons and clients - Greater men (patrons) attracted lesser men (clients) Clients looked to greater men to help further their career especially royal patronage The ‘higher’ the patron the more important they were Each patron and clientele had to compete with others

Patrons and clientele often sought to influence royal policy Often royal patrons and their clientele transformed into factions

How did Elizabeth respond? Ruled by factions She made, upheld and weakened them She maintained political stability by carefully manipulating them She distributed favours as widely as possible

Elizabeth’s success She did not allow anyone to manipulate her favour. On one occasion Leicester tried to complain to her about her ‘well beloved’ servant, Bowyer, who had refused to allow one of his clients into her privy chamber to see her. Here is her reply:

She replied with her wonted oath, “God’s death my lord, I have wished you well, but my favour is not so locked up for you that others shall not share it. I have many servants unto whom I have and will at my pleasure give my favours…if you think to rule here, I will take a course to see you forthcoming (thrown out). I will have here but one mistress and no master…look that no ill come to him…”

However, She could be cautious and mean. The number of nobles and knights declined during her reign She gave out many monopolies (starch, tin, fish, oil, cloth, vinegar, salt, currants, wine etc) which pushed up prices and put people out of work By 1601 there was much discontent and MPs complained – Elizabeth responded and allowed challenges in the law courts

1590’s Earl of Essex was the new favourite He was over prominent in Elizabeth’s favour His faction struggled with the Cecils and caused a wide split at court which threatened political stability

Essex He overstepped the mark and drew his sword in the Queen’s presence and insulted her She promoted Cecil’s clients Essex led a disastrous Irish campaign in 1599 He committed treason and he was executed This left the Robert Cecil faction in control This caused an unbalance that Elizabeth had always sought to avoid

Difficulties Elizabeth’s old advisers were gone Younger members of the new factions were more willing to be corrupt to gain favours Paying for a war meant there was less money for patronages

From: Queen Elizabeth l , Michael A.R. Graves