Elizabethan England Topic Summaries

Social structure 1588 England

GCSE > History > WJEC > GCSE History: Elizabethan England (1558-1603) > Elizabeth’s accession > Social structure 1588 England
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Key terms
  • Before covering Queen Elizabeth I’s reign, it’s important to understand the society in which she came to power.
  • England in 1558 was strictly hierarchical and based on status, wealth, and land ownership. The monarch stood at the top of society, followed by the nobility, gentry, yeomen, labourers, and the poor. The Great Chain of Being reinforced the belief that God had ordained each person’s place in society.
    • The nobility consisted of powerful landowners such as dukes and earls who often held important political positions.
    • The gentry included wealthy landowners like knights and gentlemen who governed local areas and served as Justices of the Peace.
    • Yeomen were prosperous farmers who owned their land and formed the backbone of the rural economy.
    • Labourers and servants worked for wages and had little political influence.
    • The poor relied on charity or parish support, especially during periods of food shortages.
    • Social mobility was limited but possible through education, royal service, or marriage.
  • Economic conditions:
    • England’s economy was primarily agricultural, with most people working on the land, and 90% of the population living in the countryside. However, food shortages occurred during years with poor harvests, leading to social unrest and suffering.
    • Trade was growing, particularly in textiles with wool cloth making up 90% of exports.
    • There was a hierarchy of professions with expectations of obedience and fealty.

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