Elizabethan Era GCSE History Quiz

Royal Progresses allowed Elizabeth to travel around England, maintain visibility as monarch, and strengthen loyalty among her subjects. They also showcased royal authority and reduced costs for the crown by staying with nobles.

The Privy Council advised Elizabeth on matters of state, helped implement her policies, and dealt with administrative issues, including law and order.

The Act of Uniformity established a common prayer book and required attendance at Church of England services. It aimed to create religious stability by enforcing a moderate Protestant form of worship.

Puritans believed the Church of England retained too many Catholic practices. They wanted more radical reforms, such as the removal of bishops and a simpler form of worship, which conflicted with Elizabeth’s preference for religious compromise.

Francis Drake circumnavigated the globe (1577–1580), raided Spanish ships and settlements, and claimed new lands for England. He helped establish England as a global naval power.

Theatres became an important part of Elizabethan culture, offering entertainment to people of all social classes. They showcased playwrights like William Shakespeare and helped define a golden age of English drama.

Poverty in Elizabethan England was caused by population growth, rising prices, and changes in farming methods, such as enclosure, which displaced many rural workers. The government passed several Poor Laws, including the Act for the Relief of the Poor (1597) and the Elizabethan Poor Law (1601). These laws distinguished between the "deserving poor," who were given support such as almshouses or work, and the "undeserving poor," who were punished for vagrancy. Local parishes were responsible for collecting poor rates and distributing aid, which helped address the problem at a community level.