All Questions
Tagged with england early-modern
12 questions
22
votes
3
answers
5k
views
How long did it take to get news of the sighting of the Spanish Armada from Land’s End to London?
When the Armada was sighted, fire beacons carried the warning from Land’s End (western tip of Cornwall) to the rest of the country (this link has some details on how the system worked).
"Armada ...
- 80.8k
2
votes
1
answer
502
views
Why did King Charles II cede New Amsterdam / New York to his brother James, Duke of York, in 1664?
On Wikipedia we read:
In 1664, King Charles II of England ceded to his brother, the Duke of
York, later King James II, a large tract of land that included all of
New Netherland. This came at a period ...
- 97.6k
4
votes
1
answer
196
views
Did English/British merchant sailors receive written testimonials between 1500 and 1750?
I seem to remember reading that at the end of a voyage a sailor got a conduct report written by the captain along with his pay. These testimonials were then valuable in getting him his next job. It ...
CommunityBot
- 1
0
votes
2
answers
529
views
How would “distraint of knighthood” law in medieval England fit with the fact that all knights must be of noble birth?
I've read recently about “distraint of knighthood” law in medieval England started by Henry III but I found it very strange indeed.
This law forced all rich people who has 40 £ or more to be knighted ...
- 2,089
8
votes
1
answer
588
views
What are these items in this 16th century plan of an English town?
This plan or picture map of Great Yarmouth is from the reign of Elizabeth I (1558-1603). According to the Norfolk Record Office (pdf),
It shows the town’s defences at the time of the Spanish Armada ...
- 108k
9
votes
1
answer
1k
views
Which Kings of France visited England?
Every English King from Edward the Confessor (d. 1066) to Edward IV (d. 1483) was in France at some point during their lives, almost all during their reigns, and some were born there.
These 'visits' ...
- 108k
11
votes
2
answers
649
views
At the beginning of English Civil War, why did Parliament take a hard line with neutrals, thereby effectively helping Royalist recruitment?
In Cavaliers and Roundheads, Christopher Hibbert notes the problems King Charles I had recruiting men for his army. Even in late August 1642, he had “scarcely more than 1,000 men” and was greatly ...
- 2,214
6
votes
2
answers
406
views
When, and where, was the word 'Anglican' first used in the context of the Protestant Church of England?
According to Wikipedia, "The word Anglican originates in ecclesia anglicana, a medieval Latin phrase dating to at least 1246 that means the English Church." However, this usage referred to the ...
- 9,694
0
votes
1
answer
515
views
What is the history behind this English village well?
The thatched well (below) in the village of East Marden is a well-known attraction in the South Downs, not far from Chichester. The village is recorded in the Domesday Book (as Meredone) and St. Peter'...
- 6,317
19
votes
1
answer
4k
views
What is the silver object on the desk and what is 'Elizabeth I' doing with it?
Hollywood movies have never been known for their historical accuracy, which is often sacrificed in the pursuit of entertainment, and the plot & script of the 1939 film 'The Private Lives of ...
- 72.5k
17
votes
2
answers
3k
views
What was the reaction to English monarchs using the title "King of France"?
After the Hundred Years War (or "wars") the English had been wiped off France, but English monarchs kept using their official title "King of France". As I understand, this was to ...
CommunityBot
- 1
7
votes
1
answer
2k
views
When were the heresy laws abolished in England?
We know that during the English Reformation several "heretics" were burnt at the stake. We also know that during the reign of Henry VIII both protestants and catholics were burnt or beheaded while ...
- 122k