Elizabeth, Mary and the politics of religion in the British Isles

Political and religious tensions in the British Isles ) Traditional Anglo-Scottish rivalry – each monarch seeking to control the other’s kingdom. 2) Religious division in each kingdom – radical Reformation/Counter-Reformation ideas suggest loyalty to true religion more important than loyalty to monarchs. - John Knox – debates whether ‘obedience is to be rendered to a magistrate who enforces idolatry and condemns true religion’? 3) Changes in international relations - emergence of Spain as global Catholic power.

Elizabeth I ( )

Elizabeth’s religious policy Polarisation in 1558 between Catholic bishops and privy councillors, and returning Protestant exiles who want radical religious change. Elizabeth aims to construct Church that is theologically Protestant but retains hierarchy of bishops and some elements of Catholic ceremony. Key legislation - Act of Uniformity (1559), 39 Articles (1563). Elizabethan Church seen by some admirers as via media between religious extremes.

The Catholic threat to Elizabeth 1569 – rising of the Northern Earls: reflects antagonism of key aristocratic dynasties (Nevilles and Percys) – Ridolfi Plot 1584 – Throckmorton Plot 1586 – Babington Plot -Catholic threat in Scotland through French influence (Regent Mary of Guise). -Threat in Ireland – dispossessed Catholic aristocrats (esp. Fitzgerald earls) gain support of Papacy.

Pope Pius V ( )

Mary Stuart ( )

Challenges to Mary Protestant rebel Lords of the Congregation prepared to resort to English arms to prevent growth of French Catholic influence Key Protestant voices include her half-brother James Stuart, earl of Moray and Calvinist preacher John Knox. Mary remains Catholic, but like Elizabeth, aims for moderate religious policy – accepts power of Scottish Protestants. Potential for instability in British Isles when Mary represented by some of her supporters as Catholic alternative to Elizabeth.

Mary’s threat to Elizabeth Paradox that Mary’s threat increases as power falls in Scotland. Elizabeth has no husband and therefore no heir. Mary has potential to attract English and international Catholic support. Mary therefore a great danger to Elizabeth when she is moved into England (1567).

Philip II ( ) - presides over growth in Spanish power and global ambition

Anglo-Spanish conflict – heightens Catholic peril in the British Isles Spanish support for Mary Stuart and the house of Guise sparks Throckmorton and Babington Plots (1584, 1586). Execution of Mary Stuart brings open conflict between Elizabeth and Philip. Spanish and papal support of Tyrone’s Rebellion against Elizabeth in Ireland ( ).

Elizabeth I, ‘Rainbow Portrait’, attributed to Isaac Oliver, 1600

Common Protestant anxieties have created hopes for Anglo-Scottish convergence - James Henrisoun, Exhortacion to the Scottes to Conforme themselves to the Honorable, Expedient & Godly Union between the Realmes of England and Scotland (1547) - Anthony Gilby, Admonition to England and Scotland (1558) :‘Give eare... O Britaine (for of that name both rejoseth), whiles the Lord calleth, exhorteth, an admonisheth, that is the tyme when he will be founde...’