As part of the Religious Settlement, what were judges, government officials, MPs and clergy required to take as a show of loyalty?

Within the context of the Religious Settlement in England during the Elizabethan era, judges, government officials, Members of Parliament (MPs), and clergy were required to take an oath of loyalty, specifically to the Sovereign. This oath was designed to ensure their allegiance to Queen Elizabeth I and to uphold the laws of the Church of England as established during her reign.

This requirement stemmed from the need to unify the nation under a single religious doctrine and to mitigate opposition from Catholic factions. By taking the oath, these officials were affirming not only their loyalty to the monarch but also their commitment to the Protestant faith and the governance structure that supported it.

Furthermore, failure to take the oath could lead to significant consequences, including loss of position and potential legal repercussions. This was a critical component of the broader strategy of the Elizabethan Religious Settlement to establish a middle way in religion and to promote stability in society. Through this approach, Elizabeth aimed to minimize religious conflicts that had plagued her predecessors and to foster a cohesive national identity.