Rise of the Gentry

• Suspicion of the 'Old' Nobility

  • Tudors deliberately marginalised nobles, seen as a threat because of the War of the Roses.
  • Very few held titles, nobles excluded from government - Gentry filled.
  • Dominated House of Commons & local governments: Justice's of Peace and Lord Lieutenants.
• Dissolution of the Monasteries

  • Monasteries owned about 1/4 of the land in England.
  • Henry VIII dissolution meant land was readily available.
  • Gentry bought the land and rented it out.
• Increasing Wealth during Renaissance

  • Growth of trade and exploration, growing population & rising prices - Gentry made a fortune.
  • Money used to establish estates, join latest fashion trends.
• Male Dress

  They would also wear a cloak and a doublet.

  A) Shoes

  B) Woollen / Silk Stockings

  C) Sword

  D) Beard

  E) Ruff

  F) Jerkin

  
• Female Dress.

  They would also wear an over-gown, a small hat and would make their teeth black.

  A) Shoes

  B) Undergown

  C) Ruff

  D) Gown

  E) Farthingale

  F) Dyed Hair

  G) Heavy White Makeup

  
• The Sumptuary Laws were passed in 1574 and restricted what could be worn based on social class.