Social Classes In The Elizabethan Era
"It was the best of times, it was the worse of times" (Tale of Two Cities).
In the late 16th century, many residents in England lived in comfort and wealth, while even more lived in fear and poverty. This standing was mainly decided at birth, however throughout your life, you could potentially better the social status of future family generations by either switching trade, networking with the upper class, or marrying into wealth by a family-placed arranged marriage (2).
In Shakespeare's time, there were 6 distinct social groups, each with their respective behavior, income, and views on local issues, and are listed below (2).
(In order of Status)
In the late 16th century, many residents in England lived in comfort and wealth, while even more lived in fear and poverty. This standing was mainly decided at birth, however throughout your life, you could potentially better the social status of future family generations by either switching trade, networking with the upper class, or marrying into wealth by a family-placed arranged marriage (2).
In Shakespeare's time, there were 6 distinct social groups, each with their respective behavior, income, and views on local issues, and are listed below (2).
(In order of Status)
The Social Classes of the 16th Century
- Monarchs - Respected Rulers of a High Bloodline
- Nobility - Relatives of the Monarchs and Very Wealthy Landowners
- Gentry - The Upper Citizenry Class, Wealthy whom Do Not Work by Hand
- Merchants - Fairly Respected Tradesman, Either Transport or Create Goods
- Yeomanry - The Lower Class of Citizenry, Livable, but Misfortune Can Be Fatal
- Labor Workers - The Lowest of the Social classes, The Poor Who Work by Hand