Elizabeth and her People - History File

Elizabethan society in 1600 was structured by a strict social order, a divine plan where everyone seemingly knew their place. This hierarchy, from the Queen down to the lowliest beggar, was regularly reinforced through institutions like the church. While beggars were expected to respect their superiors, and tradesmen to the yeomen, and yeomen to the gentry, and the gentry to the lords and nobles, all ultimately submitted to the Queen. This social mapping was considered God's divine plan, ensuring societal stability, as described in texts like Reverend William Harrison's 'A Description of England'.

Queen Elizabeth I ruled England for 44 years, portrayed by her flatterers as a divine, ageless, and beautiful goddess chosen by God. She was lauded for her wisdom, her understanding of other rulers, and her deep knowledge of England. Elizabeth was famous for mingling with her people through royal tours, though these trips primarily involved visiting her wealthiest subjects within a hundred miles of London. Her court was a place of elaborate display, with richly dressed individuals vying for her attention and favor. The court was seen as the source of all power, and the Queen's favor could elevate men of humble birth, challenging traditional notions of nobility linked solely to bloodline.

The era saw the rise of individuals like Bess of Hardwick, a woman of significant wealth and ambition, who defied traditional gender roles by engaging in power dynamics akin to men. Bess, the Countess of Shrewsbury, used her vast inherited fortune to construct Hardwick Hall, a lavish estate where her initials were prominently displayed. She built the hall to showcase her wealth and status, moving away from defensive castles to more playful, character-reflecting architecture. The grander the room in her house, the higher the status of its occupants, with the great high chamber designed specifically to impress the Queen, though she never visited. Nobles like Bess spent heavily to secure influence with the Queen, offering expensive gifts as shown in royal accounts.

Beyond the high nobility, the country gentry also experienced significant advances, building stone and brick houses and accumulating wealth. These local squires held considerable power in their counties, serving as judges, repairing infrastructure, and maintaining peace due to the poor road conditions making the court a distant authority. Their homes were characterized by fine tapestries, linens, and silver. A key aspect of gentry status was their behavior and appearance. They followed strict etiquette regarding dining and dress codes, avoiding colors and materials reserved for nobles and punishing laborers who dared to imitate their attire. The gentry's wealth stemmed from land ownership, though they avoided manual labor to maintain their elevated social standing.

The yeomen, the social class below the gentry, comprised independent farmers who reinvested their profits into their land. With a growing population, their agricultural endeavors flourished, granting them substantial wealth. Major yeomen were even rich enough to lend money to the Queen, while lesser yeomen typically owned numerous livestock and assets worth hundreds of pounds. Their increasing prosperity allowed them to improve their homes with glass windows, fireplaces, and chimneys. Many sent their sons to schools and universities, blurring the lines between their class and the gentry. Wills of yeomen from this period reveal a considerable accumulation of household goods, reflecting their newfound comfort and affluence.

The poor, those without land, faced a harsh existence. They were seen as the 'prop' of the nation, often unnoticed but essential. Most sold their grain at low prices to pay rent, only to buy it back at inflated costs, forcing them to eat cheaper, less nutritious grains like rye, barley, peas, and beans, and even oats during famine. Their homes were flimsy, temporary structures made of mud, often shared with animals, with minimal amenities like glass windows or proper chimneys. Entire families, including women, worked ceaselessly in agricultural and domestic tasks to survive. Despite their struggles, many retained resilience, relying on community support and practical knowledge for survival. However, the end of Elizabeth's reign brought increased inflation, famine, and unemployment, leading to a surge in destitution and begging, particularly in cities like London, where soldiers and jobless servants congregated. Society differentiated between the 'deserving' poor (orphans, aged, blind) who received parish help and 'undeserving' beggars (rogues and tricksters), who were often met with harsh punishment.