3.2.1
Living Standards & the Gentry
Living Standards for the Poor
Living Standards for the Poor
In 1541, the English population was 2.8 million people. By 1600, it was 4.1 million. This was the first population surge in 2 centuries. This suggests that living standards rose.
Population growth
Population growth
- The English population grew from 2.8 million in 1541 to 4.1 million in 1600. Elizabeth ruled for 44 of these years. Today's English population is 67 million.
- Having a larger population meant that peasants lived more closely together and that if the amount of land is fixed, then the land per person fell.
Food prices
Food prices
- Food prices rose under Elizabeth.
- England's ability to grow food did not rise as quickly as the population.
- This meant that the prices of food rose (inflation), and living standards fell for the people who were spending even more of their incomes on buying the food that they needed to eat to survive.
Farming
Farming
- Farms became larger and larger during Elizabeth's rule. Instead of everyone owning a tiny farm (called subsistence farming), people began benefitting from the 'economies of scale' of very large farms. They could use special machines and needed fewer labourers to produce the same amount of food.
- Instead of growing food, lots of farmers could make more money selling wool (instead of lamb) or growing wheat or grain.
Monasteries
Monasteries
- Henry VIII’s dissolution (closing down) of the monasteries in the 1530s meant that poor people got less support from the church.
- Monasteries often provided medical treatment/support to the poor and ill. However, Henry VIII's break from the Catholic Church meant that there was less support available to peasants and the poorest people in society.
The Rise of the Gentry
The Rise of the Gentry
For some people, living standards increased enormously, resulting in the period being referred to as a ‘golden age’ by historians.
The rise of the gentry
The rise of the gentry
- Before Elizabeth came to the throne, the nobility held almost all wealth. Under Elizabeth, there were more opportunities for people to make money through trade.
- This created a growing ‘gentry’.
- The ‘gentry’ were a group of wealthy landowners beneath the noble classes. They often became MPs or Justices of the Peace (JPs).
- 2% of the population owned more than half of the country's wealth.
Clothing
Clothing
- Elaborate, fashionable clothing were used to show social status. The rich often used fabrics such as silk, velvet and lace to create detailed and extravagant clothes.
- Men and women wore collars called ‘ruffs’. Women wore dresses with a large skirt supported by a hoop, with full-length sleeves.
1Queen, Government & Religion
1.1Elizabeth I & her Court
2Challenges to Elizabeth at Home & Abroad
2.1The Religious Settlement
3Elizabethan Society 1558-88
3.1Education & Leisure
3.2The Poor & Living Standards
Jump to other topics
1Queen, Government & Religion
1.1Elizabeth I & her Court
2Challenges to Elizabeth at Home & Abroad
2.1The Religious Settlement
3Elizabethan Society 1558-88
3.1Education & Leisure
3.2The Poor & Living Standards
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