Securing the monarchical republic: the remaking of the lord lieutenancies in 1585

The revival of the lord lieutenancies in July 1585 was a landmark in the development of early modern county government. It has customarily been linked to England's decision to go to the aid of the Dutch rebels, in effect starting open warfare with Spain. Yet the months preceding this move, in late 1584 and early 1585, were dominated by one of the most intense political crises of the reign, when fears for Elizabeth I's safety gripped the political nation and drove ministers to consider radical ways to secure the future of Protestant England. This context highlights other potential functions of the lieutenancy, as a security measure for ministers who might be contemplating a ‘republican’ interregnum.