Loading…
Loading…
GCSE History · key term
The nobles and gentry who surrounded the monarch, providing company and entertainment and seeking royal favour. Elizabeth’s court moved with her between royal residences.
Used by AQA and OCR
Paper 2
The monarch’s household and the people attending her, including nobles, advisers, officials, ladies-in-waiting and servants; a centre of political power as well as royal social life.
Revise: Elizabeth I and her CourtThe royal court was much more than a place for parties. It was both Elizabeth’s household and a centre of political power. It included officials, advisers, nobles, ladies-in-waiting and servants—approximately 1,000 people altogether.
Paper 1
Distinguish the royal court from the Privy Council: the court was the wider royal household and political gathering; the council was a smaller group of chosen advisers.
Distinguish the courts by their responsibilities: manor courts handled minor local matters, royal courts heard serious crimes, and Church courts dealt with moral and religious matters and accused clergy.
Distinguish the royal court from the Privy Council: the court was the wider group surrounding Elizabeth; the Council was a smaller body with government responsibilities.
Create a free account to read GCSE History revision notes for your exam board and track your progress.
A court in which judges appointed by the king heard cases, including serious crimes.
In a royal court, scribes recorded the proceedings and a jury reached a verdict of guilty or not guilty. The judge passed sentence if the accused was convicted.