What was England like in 1558?

Learning objective – to be able to outline the different features of English society in 1558. I can describe the key features of English society in 1558. Grade 3 I can explain the key features of English society in 1558. Grade 6 I can explain and assess the impact of the key features of English society in 1558. Grade 9

Task Read the statements below and sort them under the headings – Social, Political, Economic and Religious. England’s woollen cloth industry was its most important. It produced the finest cloth in Europe. Poverty and unemployment were growing in the lower classes throughout the 1550s. England was officially a Catholic country but there was a growing number of Protestants. The merchant and gentry classes were rising in significance in society. England’s industry was predominantly agricultural and the 1550s saw a number of bad harvests. Parliament was summoned and dismissed by the monarch. England did not have a police force or a regular army to keep order.   In 1558, Elizabeth had rejected the Catholic King Philip II of Spain’s marriage proposal. England had a rigid social hierarchy. It was believed that your social position was ordered by God. Catholics believed that Elizabeth was illegitimate and should not be queen. European cloth industry collapsed in the 1550s leading to a depression. Elizabeth inherited a government full of Catholic politicians holding key positions. There was significant pressure for Elizabeth to marry and have children. In 1558, England was at war with France, which was expensive and going badly for the English. The monarch was central to government and believed to rule ‘by right of God’. In 1558, Mary had left England almost bankrupt.

Extension Task Using your statements and own knowledge, complete a SWOT analysis on England’s position in 1558. Include three bullet points for each section and highlight the most significant point in each section. You should organise your SWOT analysis like below in your exercise book. Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats

Plenary Applying what you have learned during this lesson, compare England in 1558 with England of today. List three differences and three similarities.