1. Starter
Look at the images below and discuss with your partner, the differences in the lifestyle the two images show.

2. WALT: Understand about Puritans, their beliefs and the threat they represented

3. WILF explain who the Puritans were identify the beliefs that they had
look at the significance of the threat they represented

4. Fill in this worksheet with your partner in as much detail as possible.
Answer the question at the bottom individually based on what you think
Overall, how much of a threat do you think the Puritans posed to Elizabeth?

5. Who were the Puritans?
They were strict Protestants who devoted their life to God;
They lived very simple lives;
They had hoped that Elizabeth would change England to become fully Protestant and unaccepting of Catholics. They wanted the complete removal of Catholicism.

6. What did the Puritans believe?
They liked to wear simple clothing, especially the Bishops. The Church of England required Bishops to wear a white gown called a surplice. This caused disagreement, however, most bishops came to accept this;
They believed in focusing on the bible;
They didn’t like sports or celebrations as they saw this as a distraction from God and religion;
Puritans devoted their lives to religion.

7. How much of a threat did the Puritans pose?
There were no direct threats to overthrow Elizabeth by the Puritans;
They held prophesyings, from 1575, where they discussed how they felt about the running of the church and held services that went against what Elizabeth said;
The Puritans attempted to set up new churches. They set up one in Norwich in 1580 and one in London in The leaders from London, Henry Barrow and John Greenwood were hung;
The Puritans in Parliament tried to introduce new laws against Catholics but failed;
Publications against the church were published – these people were punished, e.g. John Stubbs had his right hand cut off in 1583.

8. Activity
It’s 1585, and there are still issues surrounding religion. You are one of the Queen’s advisors and need to write a letter to Queen Elizabeth explaining whether you think the Puritans pose a large threat or not to her reign. Explain why you think this is and whether you think she needs to be more strict when it comes to dealing with the Puritans. Use your work from today to help you.

9. Activity – Example letter
What could be made better about this letter?
Dear Elizabeth,
As one of your advisors, I feel that it is my duty to bring your attention to the Puritans. I believe that the Puritans pose little threat to you and so therefore, you do not need to worry about them. So far, there has been no direct threat to overthrow you and it is unlikely that this will be case in the future. The actions they have taken have been supressed so far and I feel that due to this no further action is required.
No specific examples given
Little detail
Little explanation