1. What might be taking place in this scene?
Write your explanation in your exercise book.

2. With your partner discuss what options you now have open to you.
During a discussion with Elizabeth, Robert Deveraux, the Earl of Essex lost his temper and turned his back on her, a terrible insult for which he received a crashing blow on the ear and a roar of: “Go and be hanged for your insolence!”
Essex went for his sword and bellowed: “This is an outrage that I will not put up with. I would not have borne it (put up with it) from your father’s hands!”
In the petrified silence that followed he stalked out of the room.
You are Essex.
With your partner discuss what options you now have open to you.
What would you do next?
Write your explanation down in your book.

3. How serious was the Essex Rebellion?
Explain the main reasons why Essex feel out of favour in the Queen’s court.
Asses the key causes of the failure of the rebellion.
We are learning to………
Today’s Key Words
Rebellion – A attempt to remove the Monarch from power.
Factions – Groups of rival men in the Queen’s court who took sides against each other.
Licenses – To be given control of a particular business.
In today’s lesson……
EVEN BETTER learning …… You can make a clear decision for the failure of the rebellion to judge the strength of the Queen’s power in later life.
(Grade 8)
GOOD learning ……… You can describe some of the reasons why Essex fell out with the Queen.
(Grade 4)
GREAT learning …… You can assess some of the reasons for the failure of the rebellion.
(Grade 6)

4. Are there any clues in Essex’s early life that he might be a risk?
Was the only way Essex?
In the Queen’s later years having the dashing and adventurous Robert Deveraux around court was something of a distraction for Elizabeth!
Examine Essex’s early life by reading page 156 of your textbook in order to complete the biography of his early life before his spectacular fall out with the Queen!
Think Carefully!
Are there any clues in Essex’s early life that he might be a risk?

5. Explain the reason for your choice of number 1 flash point.
In 1598 Essex became involved in an argument with the Queen about Ireland resulting in him drawing his sword on her.
Where did it all go horribly wrong for Essex?
In 1599 he was given the job of crushing the rebellious Irish. He failed and actually made a truce with the Irish leader.
In History we talk about ‘sparks’ that caused an event to take place. Which was the event that finally caused Elizabeth to lose trust in Essex?
Copy out the flash points opposite in order from the event that caused the most trouble for Essex down to the least.
Explain the reason for your choice of number 1 flash point.
Against strict orders he knighted some of his army leaders whilst in Ireland, something the Queen had forbidden him to do.
After returning from Ireland he rushed into the Queen’s private chambers without permission and caught her without her wig.
Elizabeth chose not to renew his license to import sweet wines which resulted in a lack of money and mounting debts.

6. Why did the Earl of Essex’s rebellion fail?
It was always going to end this way wasn’t it?
The Earl of Essex was executed for treason on 25 February 1601 after the Queen had granted him a private execution inside the Tower of London, away from the inevitable hatred he would face in front of a large crowd.
Your Task
Read page 157 of your textbook in order to understand the reasons for the failures of the Essex rebellion.
Now draw out the table below in order to list both reasons for its failures.
Mistakes of Essex himself
Strengths of Elizabeth’s court
Watch the short video clip of Essex’s execution.
Does he appear sorry for his actions?
Hyperlink in image to clip form ‘Elizabeth R’. Play from 1 hour 3 mins to 1 hour 6 mins to summarise Essex execution.
Extension Task
Write a summary paragraph to explain what you believe the real failure of the rebellion was.

7. Don’t forget to explain your choice.
Final Thought!
How much power does the Essex rebellion suggest Elizabeth had at the end of her reign?
Not to be messed with!
Her power is slipping
Lost control completely
Summary Task
By the time of Essex’s execution in 1601 how much power did I still actually have over my courtiers?
Sketch out the following decision line over half a page and draw an arrow to state your opinion.
Don’t forget to explain your choice.