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Catholic Nobles and the Elizabethan State, 1558–1588
Northern Affinities and the Politics of Religion
Language:
English
Published/Copyright:
2025
About this book
A vivid exploration of how Catholicism endured far longer into the Elizabethan era and continued to shape the very identity of early modern England.
This compelling study delves into the complexities of religious and political power during Elizabeth I's reign, presenting a further, important challenge to the traditional narratives of a swift and uncontested Protestant triumph. Here, Wilfred Hammond explores why Catholic aristocrats, despite wielding significant regional power and Court influence, failed to block or reverse the emerging religious revolution.
Focusing on the Stanley earls of Derby, the dominant noble family in Lancashire - a county described by the Elizabethan government as "the very sink of popery" - the author reconstructs their role in obstructing Protestant reform. Using the State and Cecil Papers, as well as foreign ambassadorial reports , the study re-evaluates the Stuart party-building efforts of Lady Margaret Douglas and Mary, Queen of Scots. Hammond re-examines the context of the papal bull of deposition, and uncovers the Stanley-Gerard conspiracy of 1570 with its links to the Ridolfi Plot.
This richly detailed analysis of the Stanleys positions them at the heart of a network of nobles, including the Percies and Nevilles, who were opposed to the religious change presented by Protestantism. As such, this vibrant case-study unfolds to offer fresh insights into the slow, fraught transformation of England's religious landscape during one of its most turbulent periods.
This compelling study delves into the complexities of religious and political power during Elizabeth I's reign, presenting a further, important challenge to the traditional narratives of a swift and uncontested Protestant triumph. Here, Wilfred Hammond explores why Catholic aristocrats, despite wielding significant regional power and Court influence, failed to block or reverse the emerging religious revolution.
Focusing on the Stanley earls of Derby, the dominant noble family in Lancashire - a county described by the Elizabethan government as "the very sink of popery" - the author reconstructs their role in obstructing Protestant reform. Using the State and Cecil Papers, as well as foreign ambassadorial reports , the study re-evaluates the Stuart party-building efforts of Lady Margaret Douglas and Mary, Queen of Scots. Hammond re-examines the context of the papal bull of deposition, and uncovers the Stanley-Gerard conspiracy of 1570 with its links to the Ridolfi Plot.
This richly detailed analysis of the Stanleys positions them at the heart of a network of nobles, including the Percies and Nevilles, who were opposed to the religious change presented by Protestantism. As such, this vibrant case-study unfolds to offer fresh insights into the slow, fraught transformation of England's religious landscape during one of its most turbulent periods.
Author / Editor information
Contributor: Wilfred Hammond
WILFRED HAMMOND read History at Jesus College, Cambridge, where he was an Open Scholar. His work as a Research Associate of Lancaster University focussed on the political engagement of Elizabethan Catholic gentry
Reviews
One of the most interesting features of the book are the great many quotations taken from the contemporary players, vivid and visceral commentaries, character and event assessments, political and religious thinking and testaments. The acuity and immediacy of these comments compliment the legal and political documents.
Topics
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Frontmatter
i -
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Contents
vii -
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List of Illustrations
viii -
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Acknowledgements
ix -
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Abbreviations and Conventions
x -
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Introduction
1 -
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1 Te Politics of County Religion
13 -
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2 Protestant Coup and Phoney War 1558–68
51 -
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3 Questions of Loyalty 1567–8
89 -
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4 Marian Practisers and the Ideology of Revolt
125 -
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5 ‘Instruments of an Alteration’: Te Political Crisis of 1568–9
155 -
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6 Te Rebellion of the Northern Earls 1569–70
196 -
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7 Te British Crisis and the Bull
240 -
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8 Te Stanley–Gerard Conspiracy 1570–1
281 -
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9 Noble Trajectories 1571–88
315 -
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10 Conclusions
351 -
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Bibliography
372 -
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Index
407
Publishing information
Pages and Images/Illustrations in book
eBook published on:
February 25, 2025
eBook ISBN:
9781805436089
Pages and Images/Illustrations in book
eBook ISBN:
9781805436089
Keywords for this book
Catholicism; Elizabethan Era; Religious Power; Political Power; Stanley Earls of Derby; Lancashire; Protestant Reform; Lady Margaret Douglas; Mary Queen of Scots; Papal Bull of Deposition; Stanley-Gerard Conspiracy; Ridolfi Plot
Audience(s) for this book
For an expert adult audience, including professional development and academic research
