Elizabethan England Topic Summaries

Socio-economic status

GCSE > History > CCEA > GCSE History: Elizabethan England (1558-1603) > Elizabethan life and culture > Socio-economic status
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Key terms
The Rich Gentry The Middling Sort The Poor
  • Lived in large, decorated houses or country estates.
  • Enjoyed luxury foods, clothing, and leisure activities such as hunting, theatre, and music.
  • Exercised political power through the court, Privy Council, or Parliament.
  • Women painted their faces white to show they didn’t have to work outside.
  • Lived in towns or smaller country houses.
  • Had moderate wealth and social influence.
  • Could afford some luxury items, participate in local governance, and educate their children.
  • Lived in basic housing or temporary accommodation.
  • Relied on parish charity, seasonal work, or begging.
  • Faced high vulnerability to disease, famine, and social stigma.
  • Their lives were regulated by poor laws and local authorities.

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