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4 unusual facts about Elizabethan government


Crown Steward and Bailiff of the three Chiltern Hundreds of Stoke, Desborough and Burnham

By the end of the 16th century such positions had been depreciated by changes in local and Crown representations and roles - the government of Elizabeth I had established royal representatives (Justices of the Peace, Sheriffs, and Lords Lieutenant) in every county of England and Wales; they ensured that Royal commands and laws were obeyed.

Elizabethan government

This appears true in the later section of her reign, post-Armada, when fractions led by the Earl of Essex, and the Cecils, argued over which way the war against Spain should proceed.

Sir Robert Cecil, second son of Sir William Cecil, was Secretary of State in 1596 and master of Court of Wards after a clash with Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex.

Sir Walter Raleigh was such a favourite that he was showered with gifts, including the right to take possession of land in the New World, where he organised the exploration of what would be Virginia.



see also