The Elizabethan Era

1. The Elizabethan Era By: Hunter Robertson

2. This PowerPoint will go through the daily life of a person alive in the Elizabethan time period.

3. AS you can see, the hierarchy of Elizabethan era ruling was topped with the king and queen., followed by the court/chamber household, then by the exchequer and parliament, then judges and vice admirals, then the military and central law judge, then the lords lieutenant the mayor and the regional councils, then by sheriffs/the council of aldermen/justices of the peace, then under sheriffs and high constables, finally with coroners and parish constables.

4. Daily life in Elizabethan England varied according to status and location. This page reflects the general daily life for the majority of the English people and the some of the major events which effected their lives. It was the time of the Renaissance - new ideas in science and technology. The Introduction of the theatre and the work of playwrights such as William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe and great poets such as John Donne and Edmund Spenser. Changes in leisure and entertainment, increase in trade, changes in the countryside with the wool trade and discoveries in the New World.

5. Prior to Queen Elizabeth ruling, England had undergone massive religious changes. This major event occurred in 1531 when the Commons acknowledged the king as their "only and supreme lord and, as far as the law of Christ allows, even supreme head." The break with Rome and the establishment of the Church of England by her father led to massive changes in Elizabethan Daily life.

6. After the Act of Supremacy of 1534 was passed, the saying, “As far as the law of Christ allows" was deleted.  England no longer answered to the Pope in Rome.

7. Grammar schools were available to the Middle classes. The development of printing produced more books and cheap pamphlets which were in the reach of most Englishmen. Between 1550 and 1570 many of England's famous schools and colleges were founded.

8. The Medieval Feudal system had broken down. Outbreaks of the plague had reduced the population - even peasants were paid for their labour. The wool trade provided opportunities for Englishmen. There were opportunities for young Englishmen to become apprentices and learn a trade which would bring them a good standard of living.

9. The Elizabethan era saw the introduction of the Theatre. A cheap form of entertainment for the Lower Classes. A means to influence the masses . The history of England was played out in the vivid historical plays by playwrights such as William Shakespeare.

10. Explorations across vast oceans into the New World. New lands to be claimed increasing the wealth of England. New foods were introduced such as the tomato and the turkey

11. Changes in agriculture during the Elizabethan period led to people leaving the countryside and their village life to search for employment in the towns. The wool trade became increasingly popular during the Elizabethan age, which meant that land which had been farmed by peasants was now dedicated to rearing sheep and a process known as land enclosure meant that the traditional open field system ended in favour of creating larger and more profitable farming units

12. Oh how times have changed • Elizabethan Women were subservient to men. They were dependent on their male relatives to support them. They were used to forge alliances with other powerful families through arranged marriages. There was little dispute over such arrangements as Elizabethan woman were raised to believe that they were inferior to men and that men knew better.

13. Elizabethan women were tutored at home - there were no schools for girls. Elizabethan women were not allowed to enter University. Elizabethan women could not be heirs to their father's titles ( except female royals). Elizabethan women could not become Doctors or Lawyers Elizabethan women did not have the vote and were not allowed to enter politics. There were no Elizabethan women in the Army or Navy. Elizabethan women were not allowed to act in the theatres.

14. There was clearly some considerable profit to be made in theatrical productions. James Burbage was an actor, who at one time would have played in the Inn-yards and , no doubt , negotiated a high price with the Inn keeper to perform on his premises. It was the idea of James Burbage to construct the first purpose-built theatre - it was called 'The Theatre'. It was based on the style of the old Greek and Roman open-air amphitheatres.

15. Sketchy… • In 1575, Sebastian Westcott ran a Children's company in a small private theatre within the precinct of St. Paul's. Paul's Playhouse was well attended and financially successful as it was backed by wealthy and powerful patronage.

16. Sir Walter Raleigh was a poet, statesman, explorer and courtier. He established the first colony in America and importied the first tobacco to England. He was also remembered for his courtly manners and placing his cloak over a puddle in order to prevent Queen Elizabeth I from muddying her shoes.

17. William Shakespeare was famous as a Poet, Playwright, Dramatist and Actor. He was also known for his tax evasion and his brilliance, he had over 6 different ways of spelling his name to avoid paying taxes. He also designed the globe theater.

18. Christopher Marlowe was an English spy and supposed playwright. Many believe the plays attributed to William Shakespeare were actually written by Marlowe.

19. As you can see the Elizabethan time period was a much different time and had a very different lifestyle from that in which we live. Many things we take for granted these days weren't freedoms in the Elizabethan time period.

20. THE END