On this page you will be able to get an overview of the many aspects of Elizabethan life. Explore the links and/or use the search engine referenced below to help you with your independent study.
There are several choices of databases that tap into millions of journals, magazines, newspapers, encyclopedias and other reference books. Some of them are geared toward different topics (i.e. History Reference) while others provide coverage of all subject areas, but are geared toward different age groups and reading levels. http://www.sailor.lib.md.us/services/databases/
For the purposes of the students' research related to aspects of the Elizabethan Era or the Renaissance, we recommend the database called Middle Search Plus or the History Reference Center, which are geared toward middle school reading levels.
There are several choices of databases that tap into millions of journals, magazines, newspapers, encyclopedias and other reference books. Some of them are geared toward different topics (i.e. History Reference) while others provide coverage of all subject areas, but are geared toward different age groups and reading levels. http://www.sailor.lib.md.us/services/databases/
For the purposes of the students' research related to aspects of the Elizabethan Era or the Renaissance, we recommend the database called Middle Search Plus or the History Reference Center, which are geared toward middle school reading levels.
The Elizabethan era was a time associated with Queen Elizabeth I's reign (1558–1603) and is often considered to be the golden age in English history. It was the height of the English Renaissance and saw the flowering of English poetry, music and literature. This was also the time during which Elizabethan theatre flourished, and William Shakespeare and many others composed plays that broke free of England's past style of plays and theatre.
The Tower of London
Founded nearly a millennium ago, The Tower of London has been expanded upon over the centuries by many a king and queen. The first foundations were laid in 1078 and the castle has been constantly improved and extended.The White Tower formed the basis of a residential palace and fortress suited for a king or queen. As history has shown to its occupants, the Tower of London became the perfect all-purpose complex. The Tower of London has been used as a fortress to protect a prison, used to imprison (for many an accused, it was the last sight they saw on earth), as a home for kings and queens, and as a royal mint and treasury.
Originally, the caps at the top of the four turrets were conical, but were replaced by the present onion-shaped ones in the sixteenth century. It was Henry III that renamed the entire area the Tower of London to White Tower. Although he used it as a prison, he continued to use it as a palace and entertained guests and many came with gifts of animals. These gifts were kept near the drawbridge where he built Lion Tower; a zoo where visitors would be greeted by roaring beasts.
Today the official title of the Tower is still 'Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress the Tower of London' although there isn't actually a Tower of London. It is not quite known when the name was first used but through the ages Tower of London has become the accepted term of description for the entire complex.
For more information: http://www.camelotintl.com/tower_site/history/index.html
http://www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon/
Founded nearly a millennium ago, The Tower of London has been expanded upon over the centuries by many a king and queen. The first foundations were laid in 1078 and the castle has been constantly improved and extended.The White Tower formed the basis of a residential palace and fortress suited for a king or queen. As history has shown to its occupants, the Tower of London became the perfect all-purpose complex. The Tower of London has been used as a fortress to protect a prison, used to imprison (for many an accused, it was the last sight they saw on earth), as a home for kings and queens, and as a royal mint and treasury.
Originally, the caps at the top of the four turrets were conical, but were replaced by the present onion-shaped ones in the sixteenth century. It was Henry III that renamed the entire area the Tower of London to White Tower. Although he used it as a prison, he continued to use it as a palace and entertained guests and many came with gifts of animals. These gifts were kept near the drawbridge where he built Lion Tower; a zoo where visitors would be greeted by roaring beasts.
Today the official title of the Tower is still 'Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress the Tower of London' although there isn't actually a Tower of London. It is not quite known when the name was first used but through the ages Tower of London has become the accepted term of description for the entire complex.
For more information: http://www.camelotintl.com/tower_site/history/index.html
http://www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon/
The City of London
The cobble streets of London in Elizabethan times were narrow and crooked. The slippery slime from the refuse of people added a not-so-silver lining in the walking space. People were hustling and bustling. They were the equivalent of New York, except worse.
The housing was mainly apartment buildings, all crammed together in odd arrangements on the street. There seemed to be little planning with much expansion. People were migrating in and out of various building and shops constantly.
There was no drainage or sewage, so what one stepped in was most likely what someone had once ate. Chamber pot feces were tossed out windows and onto the shuffling people below. The only source of cleaning was the scavenging birds.
Hooves clacking on the stone, wooden wheels bouncing around, and people yelling were all common sounds. Urban environments were obnoxious, to put it nicely. Apprentices yelled and people laughed all with no common courtesy for the rest of the citizens.
Common street festivities consisted of getting drunk at alehouses, bear baiting, and gambling dens. All of which were not even frowned upon.
A drink to quench your thirst was not the traditional water. Wine literally ran like water in these times. Only for the rich, that is. Middle class people were always drinking some type of alcohol.
Cities contained the best and worst living. There were luxurious rich people up in palaces. But a few blocks down was a starving beggar, pick-pocketing whatever he could lay his paws on.
The cobble streets of London in Elizabethan times were narrow and crooked. The slippery slime from the refuse of people added a not-so-silver lining in the walking space. People were hustling and bustling. They were the equivalent of New York, except worse.
The housing was mainly apartment buildings, all crammed together in odd arrangements on the street. There seemed to be little planning with much expansion. People were migrating in and out of various building and shops constantly.
There was no drainage or sewage, so what one stepped in was most likely what someone had once ate. Chamber pot feces were tossed out windows and onto the shuffling people below. The only source of cleaning was the scavenging birds.
Hooves clacking on the stone, wooden wheels bouncing around, and people yelling were all common sounds. Urban environments were obnoxious, to put it nicely. Apprentices yelled and people laughed all with no common courtesy for the rest of the citizens.
Common street festivities consisted of getting drunk at alehouses, bear baiting, and gambling dens. All of which were not even frowned upon.
A drink to quench your thirst was not the traditional water. Wine literally ran like water in these times. Only for the rich, that is. Middle class people were always drinking some type of alcohol.
Cities contained the best and worst living. There were luxurious rich people up in palaces. But a few blocks down was a starving beggar, pick-pocketing whatever he could lay his paws on.
Clothing
Women - The goal of women's fashion was to show the woman's status in society and make her attractive as possible.
Women wanted as small and petite waist as possible, so they did anything to make their waists small or appear smaller than the actual size. Women wore ruffles to show status in society. Sleeves of women's gowns had a certain appearance of being puffy.
Men- Men's clothing was as colorful as that of the ladies, but men wanted to look manly, so they wore clothing in the shape of armor with broad shoulders, broad hips, and narrow waists. It should be compared to a suit of armor.
Accessories - During this time period, hats, belts, pouches, baskets, shoes, stockings, partlets, ruffs, gloves, flea furs, cups, tankards, and goblets were all used to adorn one's appearance. Click HERE to learn more!
For more information:
http://www.elizabethancostume.net/overview.html
http://elizabethanenglandlife.com/clothing-in-elizabethan-england.html
https://bellatory.com/fashion-industry/Renaissance-Fashion-Womens-Clothing-in-Elizabethan-England
Women - The goal of women's fashion was to show the woman's status in society and make her attractive as possible.
Women wanted as small and petite waist as possible, so they did anything to make their waists small or appear smaller than the actual size. Women wore ruffles to show status in society. Sleeves of women's gowns had a certain appearance of being puffy.
Men- Men's clothing was as colorful as that of the ladies, but men wanted to look manly, so they wore clothing in the shape of armor with broad shoulders, broad hips, and narrow waists. It should be compared to a suit of armor.
Accessories - During this time period, hats, belts, pouches, baskets, shoes, stockings, partlets, ruffs, gloves, flea furs, cups, tankards, and goblets were all used to adorn one's appearance. Click HERE to learn more!
For more information:
http://www.elizabethancostume.net/overview.html
http://elizabethanenglandlife.com/clothing-in-elizabethan-england.html
https://bellatory.com/fashion-industry/Renaissance-Fashion-Womens-Clothing-in-Elizabethan-England
Medicine and the Plague
A plague is a deadly infectious disease. Plagues devastated Elizabethan England. They were a constant threat to people and the land. The most devastating to England was the Bubonic plague. London was afflicted over a dozen times during the 1500's.
In Elizabethan times there was no science of medicine as we think of it today, and people did not live as long. Most people died by the age of 50, and half the babies born were dead before their first birthdays. Almost nothing was known about hygiene, infection, or disease and treatment for any illness remained about the same as it had been in the Middle Ages.
For more information:
http://www2.springfield.k12.il.us/schools/springfield/eliz/Medbelprac.html
http://www2.springfield.k12.il.us/schools/springfield/eliz/elizabethanmedicine.html
http://www.elizabethan-era.org.uk/elizabethan-medicine-and-illnesses.htm
www.mentalfloss.com/article/49217/anatomy-14th-century-bubonic-plague-hazmat-suits
Weapons and Fencing
During this time the medieval feudal system had ended and nobles were no longer expected to fight. There were trained soldiers to fight for the Queen. However, many of the weapons and fighting styles of the medieval period were still in use. Click HERE to read more about these weapons.
The history of fencing parallels the evolution of civilization, back from the days of ancient Egypt and Rome, to the barbaric Dark Ages, to the fast and elegant Renaissance, up to the modern, increasingly popular fencing of today. Fencing has always been regarded as more than a sport; it is an art form, an ancient symbol of power and glory, and a deeply personal, individual form of expression. Fencing is and always has been an intrinsic part of life, from the dueling and battle of yore to the widely captivating movies and facets of popular culture such as Zorro and The Princess Bride. Fencing originated as the practice of swordsmanship to prepare men for duels and warfare. Click HERE and the following links to learn more about fencing in the Elizabethan Period.
To learn more about the types of weapons and the sport of fencing, click on the links below:
http://www.olympic.org/fencing-equipment-and-history
http://www.olympic.org/fencing-equipment-and-history?tab=history
http://swordsmen101.com/historyoffencing.html
During this time the medieval feudal system had ended and nobles were no longer expected to fight. There were trained soldiers to fight for the Queen. However, many of the weapons and fighting styles of the medieval period were still in use. Click HERE to read more about these weapons.
The history of fencing parallels the evolution of civilization, back from the days of ancient Egypt and Rome, to the barbaric Dark Ages, to the fast and elegant Renaissance, up to the modern, increasingly popular fencing of today. Fencing has always been regarded as more than a sport; it is an art form, an ancient symbol of power and glory, and a deeply personal, individual form of expression. Fencing is and always has been an intrinsic part of life, from the dueling and battle of yore to the widely captivating movies and facets of popular culture such as Zorro and The Princess Bride. Fencing originated as the practice of swordsmanship to prepare men for duels and warfare. Click HERE and the following links to learn more about fencing in the Elizabethan Period.
To learn more about the types of weapons and the sport of fencing, click on the links below:
http://www.olympic.org/fencing-equipment-and-history
http://www.olympic.org/fencing-equipment-and-history?tab=history
http://swordsmen101.com/historyoffencing.html
Architecture and Homes
For many people today, houses are not only places to live; they are status symbols. This is the same way homes in the Elizabethan period were looked upon and judged: as signs of social class and personal status. There were several types of homes in this period: royal works, great houses, smaller country homes, and farmhouses. As in modern day times, much of a person's choice of a home depended on his income and the social class with which he was associated. The kings and queens had the royal works, which were usually spread for miles, as far as the human eye could see. The upper-class, usually doctors or business men, had what was known as great homes. These were not as outlandish and extraordinary as the royal works but were definitely very large and quite nice. The smaller country homes were usually owned by the merchants and craftsmen (tradesmen). Lastly, there were the farmhouses, which most of the time were occupied by farmers and their families.
As the royalty of the Elizabethan period grew, so did their homes, not only in size and magnitude, but also in greatness and volume. These homes had glorious stone foundations with several levels and too many rooms to count. Many of these houses contained numerous halls, chapels, great rooms, parlors, large bay windows, and several flying buttresses. The courtyards had miles of beautiful vegetation and extraordinary stone gardens and walls. These homes were not commonplace for this period, but they were nothing less than absolutely remarkable.
For more information:
http://www.elizabethan-era.org.uk/elizabethan-architecture.htm
http://www.buildinghistory.org/style/tudor.shtml
www.nicholls.edu/art-dhc/elizabethanstyle.html
Money
What was the money and currency like during the reign of Queen Elizabeth? What was it worth? What were the wages like? The money and currency of this period was all in coins - there was no paper money. During the Renaissance period coins were minted in either gold or silver. The English pound originated from a measure of weight which was used to represent a sum of money. 240 pennies equaled a pound or 20 shillings equaled one pound. the penny was the basic monetary unit of that period.
To learn more:
http://www.elizabethan-era.org.uk/elizabethan-period-money-and-currency.htm
http://walternelson.com/dr/elizabethan-money
http://walternelson.com/dr/elizabethan-incomes
What was the money and currency like during the reign of Queen Elizabeth? What was it worth? What were the wages like? The money and currency of this period was all in coins - there was no paper money. During the Renaissance period coins were minted in either gold or silver. The English pound originated from a measure of weight which was used to represent a sum of money. 240 pennies equaled a pound or 20 shillings equaled one pound. the penny was the basic monetary unit of that period.
To learn more:
http://www.elizabethan-era.org.uk/elizabethan-period-money-and-currency.htm
http://walternelson.com/dr/elizabethan-money
http://walternelson.com/dr/elizabethan-incomes
Astrology and Astronomy
Shakespeare and his contemporaries were very concerned with the stars. They believed that by knowing the way the stars were lined up at the time of birth, it was possible to tell the future. The mechanism they devised in order to do this was called horoscope, and in Shakespeare's time a horoscope was considered a scientific tool. Some people still believe a horoscope can tell what lies ahead for you, but few people now consider it a scientific tool.
To learn more:
https://prezi.com/j5qkc9ewb4vu/elizabethan-era-astrology/
http://www.chartplanet.com/html/shakespeare.html
Shakespeare and his contemporaries were very concerned with the stars. They believed that by knowing the way the stars were lined up at the time of birth, it was possible to tell the future. The mechanism they devised in order to do this was called horoscope, and in Shakespeare's time a horoscope was considered a scientific tool. Some people still believe a horoscope can tell what lies ahead for you, but few people now consider it a scientific tool.
To learn more:
https://prezi.com/j5qkc9ewb4vu/elizabethan-era-astrology/
http://www.chartplanet.com/html/shakespeare.html
Religion
Until well into the reign of Elizabeth I's father , Henry VIII, virtually everyone in England was Roman Catholic. However, when the Pope refused to permit Henry to divorce Catherine of Aragon and marry Anne Boleyn (who was to become Elizabeth's mother), Henry declared himself supreme head of the Church of England, thereby establishing the Protestant Anglican religion. Although Catholicism was briefly re-established as the state religion during the reign of Catherine's daughter Mary I (1553-1558), Anglicanism triumphed when the Protestant Elizabeth succeeded her half sister as queen. Find out how Catholics were treated during this time period and why religion was so important!
Also learn about witches and witch hunts! Did you know witches and a belief in witchcraft are generally supposed to have been accepted as facts of life by most people during this time period. However, many people were executed as witches.
Learn more:
https://prezi.com/kntbh1_lusog/religion-in-the-elizabethan-era/#
http://resources.mhs.vic.edu.au/macbeth/historical/witchcraft.html
http://www.elizabethanenglandlife.com/elizabethan-witchcraft-and-elizabethan-witches.html
Until well into the reign of Elizabeth I's father , Henry VIII, virtually everyone in England was Roman Catholic. However, when the Pope refused to permit Henry to divorce Catherine of Aragon and marry Anne Boleyn (who was to become Elizabeth's mother), Henry declared himself supreme head of the Church of England, thereby establishing the Protestant Anglican religion. Although Catholicism was briefly re-established as the state religion during the reign of Catherine's daughter Mary I (1553-1558), Anglicanism triumphed when the Protestant Elizabeth succeeded her half sister as queen. Find out how Catholics were treated during this time period and why religion was so important!
Also learn about witches and witch hunts! Did you know witches and a belief in witchcraft are generally supposed to have been accepted as facts of life by most people during this time period. However, many people were executed as witches.
Learn more:
https://prezi.com/kntbh1_lusog/religion-in-the-elizabethan-era/#
http://resources.mhs.vic.edu.au/macbeth/historical/witchcraft.html
http://www.elizabethanenglandlife.com/elizabethan-witchcraft-and-elizabethan-witches.html
Sports and Entertainment
Falconry - Falconry, like hunting, was a sport developed from a necessity--the need to provide meat for the table, especially in winter and spring, when it was not wise to slaughter stock from the farm.
Archery - Outside of being a tournament sport, archery involved a skill that was used in battle. Since the common people were the most numerous in battle, the commoners participated in the sport as well. The shaft of the arrow was generally made out of wood, since metal would be too heavy. The head of the arrow was made out of iron. Archers have always held a very important place in military life. During Henry V's reign in the middle ages, 6,000 English soldiers shot down 85,000 French soldiers at Agincourt, a famous battle depicted in William Shakespeare's Henry V.
Festivals - People relished various festivals in those days as well. In January, twelfth religious night festival was celebrated which marked the visit of wise men, following the birth of Jesus. February marked St. Valentine's Day. This festival was a sign of love. Good Friday and Easter Monday were celebrated in the month of March. All fool's day was observed in April. This festival was filled with jokes and jests. May Day was the festival which came in the month of May in which a queen for May was chosen and villagers used to dance around the maypole. Festival of fire was celebrated in June. There was a tradition of burning bones in this festival and this led to the term 'bonfire'.
These three are just some of the many sports and entertainment that people during the Elizabethan period participated in.
To learn more:
http://www.elizabethanenglandlife.com/elizabethan-era-traditions-customs-and-festivals.html
http://internetshakespeare.uvic.ca/Library/SLT/society/husbandry/hawking.html
http://www.angelfire.com/co/Falken/falconry.html
http://www2.springfield.k12.il.us/schools/springfield/eliz/sportsandentertainment.html
Falconry - Falconry, like hunting, was a sport developed from a necessity--the need to provide meat for the table, especially in winter and spring, when it was not wise to slaughter stock from the farm.
Archery - Outside of being a tournament sport, archery involved a skill that was used in battle. Since the common people were the most numerous in battle, the commoners participated in the sport as well. The shaft of the arrow was generally made out of wood, since metal would be too heavy. The head of the arrow was made out of iron. Archers have always held a very important place in military life. During Henry V's reign in the middle ages, 6,000 English soldiers shot down 85,000 French soldiers at Agincourt, a famous battle depicted in William Shakespeare's Henry V.
Festivals - People relished various festivals in those days as well. In January, twelfth religious night festival was celebrated which marked the visit of wise men, following the birth of Jesus. February marked St. Valentine's Day. This festival was a sign of love. Good Friday and Easter Monday were celebrated in the month of March. All fool's day was observed in April. This festival was filled with jokes and jests. May Day was the festival which came in the month of May in which a queen for May was chosen and villagers used to dance around the maypole. Festival of fire was celebrated in June. There was a tradition of burning bones in this festival and this led to the term 'bonfire'.
These three are just some of the many sports and entertainment that people during the Elizabethan period participated in.
To learn more:
http://www.elizabethanenglandlife.com/elizabethan-era-traditions-customs-and-festivals.html
http://internetshakespeare.uvic.ca/Library/SLT/society/husbandry/hawking.html
http://www.angelfire.com/co/Falken/falconry.html
http://www2.springfield.k12.il.us/schools/springfield/eliz/sportsandentertainment.html
Food and Drink
Food and drink were a major part of life in Elizabethan times. People had three main meals per day. Breakfast was the first and most important meal of their day. The people of this time ate a variety of different foods and had many creative ways of preparing them. The people also had distinct table manners. In earlier times, water was the main beverage. However, as farmers became more important, other drinks came along also. Milk was known for building healthy bones and giving a refreshing taste after a dessert. Farmers got milk from cows and she-goats. Other sources of liquid were a part of stews and potages. Other beverages were created from a wine base.
To learn more about eating habits and recipes follow these links:
http://www2.springfield.k12.il.us/schools/springfield/eliz/elizfood.html
http://elizabethan.org/compendium/19.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXfIhTGwgE0
Food and drink were a major part of life in Elizabethan times. People had three main meals per day. Breakfast was the first and most important meal of their day. The people of this time ate a variety of different foods and had many creative ways of preparing them. The people also had distinct table manners. In earlier times, water was the main beverage. However, as farmers became more important, other drinks came along also. Milk was known for building healthy bones and giving a refreshing taste after a dessert. Farmers got milk from cows and she-goats. Other sources of liquid were a part of stews and potages. Other beverages were created from a wine base.
To learn more about eating habits and recipes follow these links:
http://www2.springfield.k12.il.us/schools/springfield/eliz/elizfood.html
http://elizabethan.org/compendium/19.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXfIhTGwgE0
Famous People
Bloody Mary- Born on February 18, 1516, at the Palace of Placentia in Greenwich, England, Mary Tudor was the only child of King Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon. Mary finally took the throne in 1553, reigning as the first queen regent of England and Ireland. Her persecution of Protestants earned her the moniker "Bloody Mary." She died at St. James Palace in London on November 17, 1558.
King Richard III- Born in England on October 2, 1452, Richard III served as king of England for only two years, but his reign was one of the most historic and turbulent. He is credited with the responsibility for several murders, including those of his nephews Edward and Richard, and of Henry VI. Shakespeare portrayed him as a tyrannical ruler in his play, King Richard III, but modern scholars have pointed to evidence that Richard III was a successful leader. He died in England in 1485.
King Henry VIII - Henry Tudor, son of Henry VII of England and Elizabeth York, was born at the royal residence, Greenwich Palace, on June 28, 1491. Following the death of his brother, Arthur, he became Henry VIII, king of England. He married six times, beheaded two of his wives and was the main instigator of the English Reformation. His only surviving son, Edward VI, succeeded him after his death on January 28, 1547.
To investigate more about famous people of the Elizabethan era follow the links below:
http://www.biography.com/people/henry-viii-9335322
http://www.biography.com/people/richard-iii-9457120
http://www.biography.com/people/mary-tudor-9401296
Bloody Mary- Born on February 18, 1516, at the Palace of Placentia in Greenwich, England, Mary Tudor was the only child of King Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon. Mary finally took the throne in 1553, reigning as the first queen regent of England and Ireland. Her persecution of Protestants earned her the moniker "Bloody Mary." She died at St. James Palace in London on November 17, 1558.
King Richard III- Born in England on October 2, 1452, Richard III served as king of England for only two years, but his reign was one of the most historic and turbulent. He is credited with the responsibility for several murders, including those of his nephews Edward and Richard, and of Henry VI. Shakespeare portrayed him as a tyrannical ruler in his play, King Richard III, but modern scholars have pointed to evidence that Richard III was a successful leader. He died in England in 1485.
King Henry VIII - Henry Tudor, son of Henry VII of England and Elizabeth York, was born at the royal residence, Greenwich Palace, on June 28, 1491. Following the death of his brother, Arthur, he became Henry VIII, king of England. He married six times, beheaded two of his wives and was the main instigator of the English Reformation. His only surviving son, Edward VI, succeeded him after his death on January 28, 1547.
To investigate more about famous people of the Elizabethan era follow the links below:
http://www.biography.com/people/henry-viii-9335322
http://www.biography.com/people/richard-iii-9457120
http://www.biography.com/people/mary-tudor-9401296
Crime and Punishment
It is important to note that the judicial system that was in place during Shakespeare's lifetime was significantly different from the one we know today. For the most part, laws had not changed since the medieval era, and although prisons did exist, their use was mostly limited to being spaces were detainees awaited trial. Imprisonment as such was not considered a punishment during the Elizabethan era, and those who committed a crime were subject to hard and often cruel physical punishment. The common belief was that the country was a dangerous place, so stiff punishments were in place with the objective of deterring criminals from wrongdoing and limiting the lawless condition of Elizabethan roads and cities. We must also understand the fact that Elizabethan society was divided into two classes: the nobility and the commoners. Class divisions were so pervasive that there were different criteria in place when it came to defining crime. Punishment types also varied according to the social class of the culprit, although nobles who committed an infraction were often able to escape punishment by buying their way out of it or by appealing to their ties with the clergy or the monarchy.
To research more about how punishments were carried out, follow the links below:
http://www.shakespearemag.com/fall98/punished.asp
http://www.william-shakespeare.info/elizabethan-crime-punishment.htm
http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/punishment.htm
http://www2.springfield.k12.il.us/schools/springfield/eliz/Bloodypainful.html
http://www2.springfield.k12.il.us/schools/springfield/eliz/Torturepun.html
It is important to note that the judicial system that was in place during Shakespeare's lifetime was significantly different from the one we know today. For the most part, laws had not changed since the medieval era, and although prisons did exist, their use was mostly limited to being spaces were detainees awaited trial. Imprisonment as such was not considered a punishment during the Elizabethan era, and those who committed a crime were subject to hard and often cruel physical punishment. The common belief was that the country was a dangerous place, so stiff punishments were in place with the objective of deterring criminals from wrongdoing and limiting the lawless condition of Elizabethan roads and cities. We must also understand the fact that Elizabethan society was divided into two classes: the nobility and the commoners. Class divisions were so pervasive that there were different criteria in place when it came to defining crime. Punishment types also varied according to the social class of the culprit, although nobles who committed an infraction were often able to escape punishment by buying their way out of it or by appealing to their ties with the clergy or the monarchy.
To research more about how punishments were carried out, follow the links below:
http://www.shakespearemag.com/fall98/punished.asp
http://www.william-shakespeare.info/elizabethan-crime-punishment.htm
http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/punishment.htm
http://www2.springfield.k12.il.us/schools/springfield/eliz/Bloodypainful.html
http://www2.springfield.k12.il.us/schools/springfield/eliz/Torturepun.html
Ships, Pirates, and Captains
Ships, one of the oldest means of transport, were in use in Elizabethan era. Besides transport, ships were used to attack and plunder the treasure ships of enemy nations. Thus, more importantly, Elizabethan era is also known as the age of exploration, and, it is only because of the famous pirate ships that made this time also known as the golden age of pirates. The Elizabethan Times saw the emergence of the bravest and skillful English seamen who became the Elizabethan Explorers! The Renaissance age of new ideas and learning encouraged a pioneering spirit of curiosity and adventure. The success of the Spanish and Portuguese explorers in acquiring monopolies on much of the Eastern spice trade and their expeditions to the New World fired the imagination and the ambitions of Elizabethan explorers. It will be fascinating to learn more about the variety of ships and their captains, such as Sir Francis Drake, while they encountered dangerous pillaging from pirates!
To learn more about the ships, captains, and pirates during this time, check out the following links:
http://www.elizabethan-era.org.uk/elizabethan-explorers.htm
http://www.elizabethanenglandlife.com/famous-elizabethan-era-ships.html
http://faculty.history.wisc.edu/sommerville/123/123%20271%20exploration.htm
http://www.gresham.ac.uk/lectures-and-events/elizabethan-merchant-ships-and-shipbuilding
http://www.goldenhind.co.uk/health-onboard.php
Ships, one of the oldest means of transport, were in use in Elizabethan era. Besides transport, ships were used to attack and plunder the treasure ships of enemy nations. Thus, more importantly, Elizabethan era is also known as the age of exploration, and, it is only because of the famous pirate ships that made this time also known as the golden age of pirates. The Elizabethan Times saw the emergence of the bravest and skillful English seamen who became the Elizabethan Explorers! The Renaissance age of new ideas and learning encouraged a pioneering spirit of curiosity and adventure. The success of the Spanish and Portuguese explorers in acquiring monopolies on much of the Eastern spice trade and their expeditions to the New World fired the imagination and the ambitions of Elizabethan explorers. It will be fascinating to learn more about the variety of ships and their captains, such as Sir Francis Drake, while they encountered dangerous pillaging from pirates!
To learn more about the ships, captains, and pirates during this time, check out the following links:
http://www.elizabethan-era.org.uk/elizabethan-explorers.htm
http://www.elizabethanenglandlife.com/famous-elizabethan-era-ships.html
http://faculty.history.wisc.edu/sommerville/123/123%20271%20exploration.htm
http://www.gresham.ac.uk/lectures-and-events/elizabethan-merchant-ships-and-shipbuilding
http://www.goldenhind.co.uk/health-onboard.php
Elizabethan Music
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To investigate more about music during the Elizabethan age, check out the following links:
http://www.elizabethanenglandlife.com/elizabethan-england-music.html http://www.elizabethan-era.org.uk/elizabethan-music.htm http://go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?id=GALE|EJ2181500312&v=2.1&u=clov94514&it=r&p=GPS&sw=w&asid=bcd77195f695229cb334bca283d92004 |
Education
Did you know that most children and young people who lived during the time of Shakespeare did not go to
school? Only the children of the well-to-do were afforded the privileged of an education because common children had to help their parents make a living by working the farm or in the shops. Some were apprentices or tradesman. Girls were not allowed to become doctors, clergymen, or lawyers, so it was thought there was no point in educating girls! Learn more about what students learned, famous schools, and equipment teachers used during this time!
Click on the links to learn more!
http://www.william-shakespeare.info/william-shakespeare-biography-childhood-and-education.htm
http://www.elizabethan-era.org.uk/elizabethan-education.htm
http://internetshakespeare.uvic.ca/Library/SLT/ideas/education/boys.html
Did you know that most children and young people who lived during the time of Shakespeare did not go to
school? Only the children of the well-to-do were afforded the privileged of an education because common children had to help their parents make a living by working the farm or in the shops. Some were apprentices or tradesman. Girls were not allowed to become doctors, clergymen, or lawyers, so it was thought there was no point in educating girls! Learn more about what students learned, famous schools, and equipment teachers used during this time!
Click on the links to learn more!
http://www.william-shakespeare.info/william-shakespeare-biography-childhood-and-education.htm
http://www.elizabethan-era.org.uk/elizabethan-education.htm
http://internetshakespeare.uvic.ca/Library/SLT/ideas/education/boys.html