Elizabethan England / 1558-1603
Key People in Elizabethan England
Elizabeth depended on advisers and was also threatened by powerful rivals and enemies.
What To Remember
- William Cecil was Elizabeth's chief adviser and believed everyone in government should serve the queen first.
- Francis Drake helped Elizabeth challenge Spain overseas, while Robert Dudley was a close favourite but not a perfect political partner.
- Philip II of Spain and Mary Queen of Scots were major threats because of religion, rivalry, and dynastic claims.
People who helped Elizabeth
William Cecil helped Elizabeth run the government and was loyal to the queen above all else.
Francis Drake attacked Spanish ships and settlements, which made him useful against England's Catholic rival.
Robert Dudley was close to Elizabeth, but she never gave him everything he wanted and did not fully trust him with power.
People who threatened her
Philip II of Spain was the ruler of the most powerful Catholic empire in Europe and hated English attacks on Spanish interests.
Mary Queen of Scots was Elizabeth's Catholic cousin and a direct dynastic rival for the English throne.
Elizabeth had to balance loyalty, friendship, and danger when deciding who could be trusted near the court.
Revision Prompt
Which key people helped Elizabeth and which ones threatened her?