A 'Golden Age'

• Despite the very high levels of poverty, Elizabeth's reign is often seen as a 'Golden Age'. The growing prosperity of the elite contributed to a flourishing in architecture, the arts and education.
• Who became richer during Elizabeth's reign?

  The gentry
• What factors contributed to the wealth of landowners during Elizabeth's reign?

  Population growth and changes in farming practices
• What social class were the gentry part of in Elizabethan England?

  Social elite below the nobility
• How did members of the gentry sustain themselves?

  By owning land and living off its income
• What was the impact of enclosures on farming?

  Land was farmed more efficiently
• What economic changes benefited landowners during Elizabeth's reign?

  Increasing rents and rising agricultural prices
• How did the wealth of the gentry change during Elizabeth's reign?

  They became much wealthier
• What was the effect of the growth of towns and trade during Elizabeth's reign?

  Some merchants became very rich
• How did wealthy merchants change their social status during Elizabeth's reign?

  By buying land and joining the gentry
• What was the relationship between the gentry and the nobility during Elizabeth's reign?

  Both saw their incomes increase
• What is the term used for the building projects by the elite in the 1570s?

  The 'Great Rebuilding'
• Why did members of the elite build new houses in the 1570s?

  To show off their wealth and improve living standards
• What feature of new houses indicated prosperity among the elite?

  Many large windows
• Why was the use of glass in windows a sign of prosperity?

  Because glass was very expensive
• How did large landscaped gardens contribute to the display of wealth?

  They were a popular way to showcase affluence
• What improvements did the 'Great Rebuilding' bring to living standards for the wealthy?

  New houses were more comfortable and better heated
• What made the new houses lighter during the 'Great Rebuilding'?

  The large windows
• How did larger chimneys and fireplaces improve the new houses?

  They meant the houses were better heated
• What were highly fashionable during the period discussed?

  Art, literature, and education
• Why did the nobility and gentry spend money on home decorations?

  To showcase their wealth and status
• What types of decorations were popular among the nobility and gentry?

  Portraits, miniatures, tapestries, and embroidery
• How did elite support impact Elizabethan theatre?

  It contributed to its flourishing
• What was fashionable regarding literature during this period?

  Collecting large libraries and supporting poets
• What change occurred regarding children's education?

  More people could afford education
• What did members of the elite wear to show off their wealth?

  Elaborate clothing made of expensive fabrics
• What types of fabrics were commonly used for elite clothing?

  Silk, velvet, and lace
• How did women's dresses differ in design during this period?

  They had full sleeves and large skirts
• What supported the shape of women's skirts?

  A hoop-skirt
• What type of collars did both men and women wear?

  Wide, ruffled collars called ruffs
• Where did many elite fashions originate?

  At the royal court
• Who was Nicholas Hilliard?

  Queen Elizabeth's miniaturist
• What effect did Hilliard's work have on miniatures?

  It encouraged their popularity among the elite
• What are the key features of elite fashion during this period?

  • Elaborate clothing to show wealth
  • Use of expensive fabrics: silk, velvet, lace
  • Women's dresses: full sleeves, large skirts, hoop-skirts
  • Ruffled collars (ruffs) for both genders