Queen Elizabeth I
reigned from 1558 to 1603 in what has become known as England's Renaissance.
It was generally considered a time of stability coming after
the tumultuous reign of her half-sister, "Bloody" Mary, who attempted to wipe out the
fledgling Church of England and return the country to Catholicism. But
what was it really like to live during this time?
The Medieval period was at least a century in the past, and with it went the war-like lifestyle we tend to associate with that time. Although wealthy Elizabethan landowners kept retainers in their employ, mercenary armies were no longer encouraged or needed. And perhaps having a young, vibrant woman on the throne gave rise to a new appreciation of beautiful things - clothing, houses and the written word all developed their unique style during Elizabeth's reign.
Gentlemen still walked around with a sword at their hip but now they wore ridiculous ruffs, short breeches to show off shapely legs and doublets with peascod bellies and a codpiece (yes, a codpiece!). Thankfully the average working man maintained a simpler style.
Noble women also had to put
up with the ruffs and numerous petticoats, even a farthingale under her
skirts. Strangely, unmarried women were allowed to show off their
décolletage by wearing low-cut bodices. Married women were expected to
show a little more decorum but whether or not they did, who knows.
Thanks to the relative internal stability throughout England, large country houses could be built without ramparts and arrow-slits and now had windows with glass. Gone were the days of the fortified castle and in its place was built an elegant mansion. Formal gardens replaced defensive walls but breweries, granaries, servants chambers and other out-buildings of a functional nature could still be found in the grounds.
Building work was
rampant in the new prosperity of Elizabeth's reign, especially in London,
thanks to an increase in population (partly due to the influx of foreigners fleeing religious persecution in their
home countries). Timber houses acquired overhanging stories and brick was also gaining in popularity for more permanent structures.
Perhaps the most recognisable symbol of the English Renaissance period is William Shakespeare. As well as leaving a deep footprint on the English language as we know it, he and his fellow writers provide an excellent source of material for modern historians learning about life under the reign of Queen Elizabethan I.
Here's some interesting facts:
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The average life expectancy is 42 years (longer for the wealthy)
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The average age of a woman getting married is 25 or 26
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The average age of a man getting married is 27 or 28
Sources: Elizabeth's London by Liza Picard (2003) and http://uk.msn.com/
