Racism and Tolerance Under Elizabeth I and Cromwell

This section explains racism and tolerance Under Elizabeth I and Cromwell from1550s to the1680s. During the 16th and 17th centuries, England's attitudes towards immigration and racial diversity were complex and often inconsistent. The reigns of Queen Elizabeth I and Oliver Cromwell, as well as the political turmoil following the execution of King Charles I, provide crucial examples of shifting policies regarding non-English communities. These periods saw some attempts at exclusion and discrimination, but also instances of greater religious and ethnic tolerance, particularly in the case of Jewish people and Huguenots.

Racism and Exclusion Under Queen Elizabeth I

Queen Elizabeth I, who reigned from 1558 to 1603, oversaw a period of relative stability in England after the turmoil of the Tudor Wars of Religion. However, Elizabeth's policies regarding non-English people, especially Africans, reflect the growing sense of racial difference and the beginnings of racism in England.

• Order to Expel African People: During the early years of Elizabeth’s reign, there were attempts to expel Africans and other non-Europeans from London, a measure driven by fears of "racial impurity" and the growing visibility of African individuals in English society, particularly in London. African people had been present in England since the Middle Ages, but during the Tudor era, they were often brought to England as servants or entertainers. In the 1560s, an order was issued by Elizabeth’s government to expel Africans from London, partly in response to social anxieties about non-Christian foreigners. Despite the order, it was never successfully enforced. Historians note that African people continued to live in England throughout Elizabeth’s reign, suggesting that there was a practical limit to how far the monarchy could go in policing immigration and race.
  • Role of Africans in Elizabethan Society: Despite these early attempts at exclusion, Africans in Elizabethan England played important roles in society, particularly in the royal court. Some Africans were employed as servants or musicians, while others gained attention for their unique skills. The famous African-born entertainer Juan de Sosa was a notable figure at court during Elizabeth’s reign.
  • The Ambivalence of Elizabeth's Policies: Elizabeth’s reign showed the complexities of racial attitudes. While the monarch supported exclusionary measures, she did not initiate widespread persecution of African people, and some individuals were able to attain positions of influence and respect. Elizabeth’s government also took part in trade with African nations, a growing aspect of England's expanding maritime empire.

Religious Tolerance and Changing Attitudes During the Interregnum and the Rule of Cromwell

The period following the execution of King Charles I in 1649 and the establishment of the Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell (1649–1660) marked a notable shift in England’s treatment of minorities, particularly in the case of religious tolerance.

• Greater Tolerance for Jewish People: In the early 17th century, Jews had been excluded from England for centuries, following the expulsion of Jews in 1290 under Edward I. For more than 350 years, Jews were not permitted to openly practise their religion in England. However, during the period of Cromwell’s Commonwealth, the situation changed significantly. Cromwell, who was keen to secure political and economic alliances with Protestant Europe, allowed Jews to return to England in 1656. This was partly due to Cromwell's belief that allowing Jews to settle would strengthen England’s trade and international relations.
  • The Return of the Jews: This marked a significant moment in English history, as Jews were officially permitted to live in England again. Although Jews were still faced with prejudices and discrimination, their return was a step towards religious tolerance. The Spanish and Portuguese Jewish communities (known as Sephardim) were the first to settle, and they eventually founded London’s first synagogue, Bevis Marks, in 1701.
  • Cromwell’s Motives: It is worth noting that Cromwell’s decision to allow Jewish people back into England was not purely based on altruism; he saw the presence of Jews as a way to enhance England’s standing in Europe, particularly in relation to international trade with Jewish communities in the Mediterranean. Nevertheless, this policy represented a marked shift from the earlier exclusionary practices under the monarchy.

The Huguenot Immigration of the 1680s

Another significant moment in the history of religious tolerance came in the 1680s, when Huguenots—Protestant refugees from France—were welcomed into England following the revocation of the Edict of Nantes by Louis XIV of France in 1685. The Edict of Nantes, originally issued in 1598, had granted Huguenots the freedom to practise their religion in Catholic France. Its revocation, however, led to the persecution of Huguenots, and many fled to Protestant nations, including England.

• Huguenot Immigration: Between 1680 and 1700, it is estimated that around 50,000 Huguenots fled to England to escape religious persecution. The English government, eager to offer sanctuary to Protestants and to strengthen its relations with Protestant Europe, welcomed them. The Huguenots were known for their skills in weaving, silk production, and other crafts, and they quickly integrated into English society, particularly in London, where they established strong communities.
  • Contribution to English Society: The Huguenots’ contribution to England was significant. Many became successful merchants, traders, and craftsmen. They introduced new methods of silk weaving to England and played an essential role in the development of England’s textile industries. The Huguenot community also contributed to the intellectual and cultural life of the nation, influencing art, literature, and thought.

The Development of Religious and Racial Tolerance in England

The periods of Elizabeth I and Cromwell marked a significant turning point in English attitudes toward immigration, race, and religion. Under Elizabeth, exclusionary policies were attempted but not fully enforced, and a degree of racial integration continued despite efforts to expel non-Europeans. By contrast, Cromwell’s rule ushered in greater tolerance, especially in terms of religious freedom. The return of Jews in 1656 and the welcoming of the Huguenots in the 1680s represented significant steps forward in terms of tolerance. However, it is important to note that these measures were not without opposition, and racial and religious discrimination still existed.

Although racism and religious intolerance remained entrenched in many areas of English life during this period, these early examples of religious tolerance and multiculturalism laid the foundation for later developments in English society. These periods helped set the stage for the more inclusive policies that would eventually develop in later centuries, though challenges and contradictions remained as England continued to define its identity in an increasingly diverse world.