Earl of Essex


Write an account of the ways in which the Earl of Essex affected Elizabethan England. (


The Earl of Essex affected Elizabethan England in a number of ways. Initially as a member of Elizabeth’s Privy Council he was tasked with advising her on different aspects of her reign. As a result of her patronage, Essex found himself becoming increasingly important in the economy of England. He was granted monopolies on sweet wines, allowing him to become very wealthy. One of Elizabeth’s favourites, he held a great deal of influence in society and his opinion, particularly on the Privy Council was sought out and listened to. With the help of his monopolies he was able to affect Elizabethan England as it dramatically increased the consumable goods for sale, particularly for the society conscious upper classes who were the main beneficiaries of these monopolies.



In the later years of Elizabeth’s reign, the Earl of Essex saw his favour with the Queen diminish as their personalities clashed. Following the unauthorised truce with Ireland, enacted following an unsuccessful campaign in Tyrone in 1599, Essex was stripped of his monopolies and his offices, having been summoned to court to explain his actions. Having been politically and financially ruined, he attempted to get the people of England to rise up with him against the Queen in 1601. This uprising showed the unpopularity of the Queen amongst the people, they were willing to support him in a violent rebellion. However, the big impact that this rebellion had on the people of England was that it was easily defeated. Elizabeth’s government were shown to be in control and the people recognised that she was still able to command her people, despite her advancing years. Essex was executed as a result of the rebellion, once again discouraging any further uprising against the crown.

If you are interested in  learning about the Earl of Essex and Elizabethan England here is a book I would recommend:



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