Elizabethan England society Flashcards

Society was divided into a strict hierarchy: monarch at the top, followed by nobility, gentry, yeomen, tenant farmers, labouring poor, and vagrants.

The monarch was at the top of the hierarchy, ruling by divine right and making all major decisions about government and religion.

The nobility were wealthy landowners who held significant power and influence. They often lived in large houses and had many servants.

The gentry were wealthy landowners below the nobility. They were influential in local government and often served as MPs or Justices of the Peace.

Yeomen were farmers who owned their land. They were wealthier than tenant farmers and played a key role in local communities.

Tenant farmers rented land from the gentry or nobility and worked it to make a living. They were lower in the social hierarchy than yeomen.

The labouring poor worked for wages on farms or in towns. They often lived in poverty and had little security.

Vagrants were the poorest in society, often homeless and unemployed. They were seen as a threat to social order and could be punished harshly.

The nobility enjoyed sports like hunting, fencing, jousting, and hawking, which showcased their wealth and skills.

The lower classes played sports like football (a violent version), wrestling, and cudgel fighting, which were often rough and physical.

Justices of the Peace (JPs) were members of the gentry responsible for maintaining law and order in their local areas.

Education was mainly for boys from wealthy families. Schools focused on Latin, religion, and practical skills for future careers.

Theatre was popular across all classes. Nobles watched plays in private performances, while the lower classes attended public theatres like The Globe.

The nobility enjoyed music, dancing, and banquets, often showcasing their wealth and status through elaborate events.

The lower classes enjoyed fairs, bear-baiting, cockfighting, and public celebrations, which were often noisy and lively.