ELIZABETHAN ENGLAND
17/03/2015
Life in Elizabethan England
GENERAL POPULATION
Sources of information
http://www.bardweb.net/england.html
London in the 16th century underwent a transformation. Its population grew 400% during the 1500s, swelling to nearly 200,000 people in the city proper and outlying region by the time an immigrant from Stratford came to town. A rising merchant middle class carved out a productive livelihood, and the economy boomed.
WHAT IT WAS LIKE FOR PEOPLE OF DIFFERENT SOCIAL CLASSES
RELIGION
MONEY
JOBS
London was the centre of Elizabethan world because it was indulged with wealthy merchants and shops selling the finest goods,such as sugar,different spices,soap and carpet.These were the luxuries of the Elizabethan Era.In 1955 a swizz Tourist called Thomas said'London is not in England but England is in London' from this quote alone we can suggest that when living in London you had everything you need.If you wanted to make a name or future for yourself then London was definitely the place to be.Though London had its advantages it also had its disadvantages such houses being closely packed together so i was very cramped.Not only was space very confined but London became unhygienic and sanitation became a big problem,it became so bad that it even attracted rats and flees.This lead to the great plague which killed 17000 people.The Epidemic occurred at different times all over England.Poor areas were at a much higher risk of catching the disease because of the living conditions. Even though the plague derived from rats and flees,it could also be spread by garments and breath.If you caught this unfortunate flu by law in 1578 you were to be bordered up in your house with your family and maids,sick or not sick.There was a small chance of survival.
Though the Elizabethan period had a great time loss,it gave birth to one of the most renowned plays wrights;William Shakespeare. 1 in 3 people went to the cinema every month.At The Globe where Shakespeares plays were performed,it was packed with an audience of about two thousand people.To reach The entertainment which was usually on the other side of the river,the people would pay 1 cent to river taxis.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01d44nd
Notes from 'Why was London the centre of the Elizabethan world?'
London was the centre of Elizabethan world because it was indulged with wealthy merchants and shops selling the finest goods,such as sugar,different spices,soap and carpet.These were the luxuries of the Elizabethan Era.In 1955 a swizz Tourist called Thomas said'London is not in England but England is in London' from this quote alone we can suggest that when living in London you had everything you need.If you wanted to make a name or future for yourself then London was definitely the place to be.Though London had its advantages it also had its disadvantages such houses being closely packed together so i was very cramped.Not only was space very confined but London became unhygienic and sanitation became a big problem,it became so bad that it even attracted rats and flees.This lead to the great plague which killed 17000 people.The Epidemic occurred at different times all over England.Poor areas were at a much higher risk of catching the disease because of the living conditions. Even though the plague derived from rats and flees,it could also be spread by garments and breath.If you caught this unfortunate flu by law in 1578 you were to be bordered up in your house with your family and maids,sick or not sick.There was a small chance of survival.
Though the Elizabethan period had a great time loss,it gave birth to one of the most renowned plays wrights;William Shakespeare. 1 in 3 people went to the cinema every month.At The Globe where Shakespeares plays were performed,it was packed with an audience of about two thousand people.To reach The entertainment which was usually on the other side of the river,the people would pay 1 cent to river taxis.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01d44nd
Religion
The two major religions in Elizabethan England were the Catholics and protestant religions.The convictions and beliefs in these different religions were so strong that they led to the executions of many adherents to both of these Elizabethan religions.
The reigning Monarch dictated the chosen religion.Often the people would follow and agree with monarch to avoid suffering imprisonment,torture or execution.
During Queen Elizabeth I reign she restored Protestantism.Though she gave permission that Catholics be able to practice there faith as long as it was no threat to peace in the realm and her rule over England , many Catholics plotted against her and wanted her cousin Mary Queen of Scots to take over.This lead to Elizabeths cousins execution.
Below is a timeline of regining religions
Queen Elizabeth I and Catholics
Queen Elizabeth had spent her whole life surrounded by the fanatical views of both Protestants and Catholics. The English people careered from the Catholic religion to the Protestant religion as the following shows:
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.notes from -http://www.elizabethan-era.org.uk/religion-elizabethan-england.htm
Notes from 'To what extent was life changing during Elizabethan England'
In towns like Stratford a revolution took place during Elizabethan England.One of which was Chimneys.Usually these were only found in grand houses or castles however this now came available for everyone as the bricks are cheaper.This social revolution made it able that you could heat a two story house in each room and be able to sleep within your 'chamber' rather than in the hall with everyone else.In the Elizabethan Era it was on average 2 degrees colder than now,it was especially colder during the 1570's and 1590's.
In 1598 glass became popular among moderately wealthy gentlemen as it showed you had status however it was still very expensive. It was that expensive that some people had glass at the front and shutters at the back.Men were very fascinated by being able to use natural lighting
In Stratford there were houses being converted or demolished left right and centre. During Elizabeth's 45 years of reign,the population increased from 3.2 to 4.1 million people which was more than 25 percent more people to clothe,feed and house.
In the 16th century publication of books in English increased,allowing people to acquire knowledge in their own language.A range of books were published from cookery and medicine to how to fire a cannon.One of the most appreciated books was the bible as people could now read it in their own homes and give their own opinion and gather their own understanding.Being able to understand literacy was very helpful during Elizabethan era as it gave you more options in life.At the beginning of the 16th Century only 1 in 10 men could read but by the end it increased to 1 in 4.The proportion of woman was 1 percent which increased to a staggering 10 percent.
Originally school was only for the wealthy.This Era gave birth to Grammar schools across the country.
From this i realise how lucky we are as a generation.
A prominent figure in Elizabethan History was Sir Francis Drake.He was born in Devon and rose to become the most richest and celebrated person of the Era.In 1577 he set out with 5 ships and 200 men,three years late he returned with 1 ship and 56 men after sailing around the world.On his return he also had stolen Spanish gold estimated to around 6 hundred thousand pounds.Which was ALOT during Elizabethan Era.They were able to do this by using new technology such as a compose and gun powder.Although travelling the world helped to grant a future it also has its disadvantages such as no private space,nasty food and you might get Scurvy which could lead to your teeth falling out.On top of this your gums will start to rot and breath will begin to stink plus there is no washing facilities so you will stink really bad.You can't shave so your beard will start to grow with insects in them in fact your whole body will be covered in lice and fleas.Your at a very high risk of not surviving.82 percent under 30 death rates are high.Drake became a hero and Queen Elizabeth honored him with a knighthood.He came from a simple and unsatisfied beginning to a most famous man of the age.
Walter Raleigh was also known for his contribution to the Era.Discovering Potato,Tomato and Tobacco for England.These brought excitement as it supported the idea that when God created the world, he created a cure for all of mankind's diseases.
John Gerard was one of the leading herbalists of the age. He explored the medicinal and nutritional properties of every plant. As Tomato was known to do nothing for the body and just have a nice colour it and potato were used as exotic decoration at banquets, this shows status.
Money (research from http://elizabethan.org/compendium/6.html)
All coins are silver or gold, including the pennies.
In times not too long past, copper was used to extend (debase) the coinage without actually spending any more silver. But no money is actually minted as a copper coin. If someone gives you a modern copper penny, laugh and tell him to come back with some real money.
There is no paper money. You cannot, for example, have a 5-pound note.
The basic denominations are pounds, shillings, and pence.
In times not too long past, copper was used to extend (debase) the coinage without actually spending any more silver. But no money is actually minted as a copper coin. If someone gives you a modern copper penny, laugh and tell him to come back with some real money.
There is no paper money. You cannot, for example, have a 5-pound note.
The basic denominations are pounds, shillings, and pence.
- 12 pence make a shilling
- 20 shillings make a pound
In writing, the abbreviation for:
- penny is d
- shilling is s
- pound is £
Money bought more in those days. Do not just substitute pounds for dollars. Try using shillings, or even pennies, depending on the item.
Tip a household servant no more than a few pence. Remember, he only makes £2-5 per year! (Note: that tip is called a vail.) A common vail is about a penny.
If you're buying information or a favor from anybody besides a servant use gifts instead of money. For servants--use money!
Thirty pounds for a pair of gloves is highway robbery. But 30 shillings for a pair of gloves doesn't sound so bad, at least theatrically speaking. (Actually 7 shillings is closer to the truth, unless they are finely decorated.)
For smaller items, like food and drink, use pennies. A penny or two for a pot of ale is about right, where 2 pounds or even 2 shillings is unthinkable.Tip a household servant no more than a few pence. Remember, he only makes £2-5 per year! (Note: that tip is called a vail.) A common vail is about a penny.
If you're buying information or a favor from anybody besides a servant use gifts instead of money. For servants--use money!
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