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2. The Elizabethan Compromise and Protestantism in England, 1529-88

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About this Lecture

Lecture

In this module, we consider the question ‘How far do you agree that the main turning point in the fortunes of Protestantism in England in the years 1529–88 was the Elizabethan compromise?’, focusing in particular on: (i) the extent to which the phrase ‘Elizabethan compromise’ accurately reflects the events of 1558-59; (ii) the historiography: the position of Norman Jones (who argued that Elizabeth got exactly what she wanted) versus that of Roger Bowers (who argued that Elizabeth had to make concessions); (iii) the difference between the Elizabethan settlement ‘on paper’ and its actual implementation and enforcement ‘on the ground’; and (iv) the reasons why the 1580s might be seen as the main turning point in the fortunes of Protestantism in England, in particular the death of Mary, Queen of Scots in 1587.

Course

In this course, Dr Natalie Mears (Durham University) explores political culture and religion in Tudor England through six key questions: (1) How significant was the gender of the monarch during the reigns of Mary and Elizabeth?; (2) How far do you agree that the main turning point in the fortunes of Protestantism in England in the years 1529–88 was the Elizabethan compromise?; (3) To what extent did the role of parliament change in the years 1558-88, during the reign of Elizabeth I?; (4) Was the influence of Henry VIII’s ministers the main reason the English Church was reformed in the years 1529-40?; (5) Wolsey and Cromwell were Henry VIII’s chief ministers in the years 1514-40. To what extent did royal power grow in the years 1514-40?; and (6) To what extent did the structure of government change in the years 1509-88?

Lecturer

Dr Natalie Mears is Associate Professor in Early Modern British History at Durham University. She is primarily a historian of Tudor and early Stuart politics and religion, including the posthumous reputation of Elizabeth I. She also has an interest in the representation of the Tudors and Stuarts in modern media, especially opera. Her publications include Queenship and Political Discourse in the Elizabethan Realms (2005) and (as co-editor with Alec Ryrie) Worship and the Parish Church in Early Modern Britain (2012).