Queen Elizabeth I 


One of the most remarkable eras in English history is the Elizabethan Period. The Elizabethan Period is so named in honor of Queen Elizabeth I, one of England's finest monarchs. The Elizabethan Period is renowned for the Virgin Queen as well as the Great Explorers of the time, including Sir Francis Drake and Walter Raleigh.

Queen Elizabeth was a tremendous supporter of the arts, extending her patronage to outstanding creators and performers, which stimulated the creation of an abundance of artistic works. Since the arts and artists flourished throughout this time, this is why the era is also known as the Golden Age.

England was feeling the effects of the Renaissance, which started as an Italian movement and spread to the rest of Europe in the 16th century.

The artistic movements and works of painting, sculpture, music, theatre, and literature were all greatly influenced by the Renaissance, which inspired artists to produce outstanding works of art. The English Renaissance is symbolized by individuals like Thomas Kyd, Francis Bacon, William Shakespeare, and Edmund Spenser, among others. 
The two main genres of literature at this time were theatre and poetry. The drama was at its height during the Elizabethan age, and English people quickly developed a love for plays performed, leading to the habit of visiting theatres becoming deeply ingrained in English culture.

Queen Elizabeth, I was well regarded by her subjects as a result of the developing Golden Age and the English Renaissance, which increased the population's riches and status. By referring to herself as "The Virgin Queen" and claiming to be married only to England, she furthered the idea that she was committed to England and its people.

When Henry VIII decided to divorce his wife Catherine of Aragon in 1534, he left the Catholic Church and isolated the Church of England from the papal rule. Religious change developed as a result of England. 

Following King Henry VIII's reign, that is, throughout the reigns of Edward VI and Mary I, the religious trouble only grew. A period of religious harmony resulted from Queen Elizabeth I's tolerance of other religions. People honor her reign because of this.

Shakespeare's plays were at their pinnacle during the Elizabethan era, and a wide range of magnificent prose, including historical narratives, translations of the Bible, pamphlets, literary criticism, and the first English novels, was also inspired by this period. The Elizabethan age also witnessed the blossoming of poetry (the sonnet, the Spenserian stanza, and dramatic blank verse).

The Shephearde's Calendar and The Faerie Queene by Edmund Spenser, the sonnets of Sir Philip Sidney and William Shakespeare, and the songs of Sir Walter Raleigh are examples of defining works. This was a time when drama particularly flourished; examples include the comedies and tragedies of Christopher Marlowe, Ben Jonson, and William Shakespeare.

Social Background:

The Elizabethan era's social customs had advantages and disadvantages. Even though there were no food crises and a plentiful harvest, individuals also experienced severe poverty during this time due to a significant wealth disparity between the various social categories.
 
Sons were sent to school by wealthy families, while females were either instructed to run a home, conduct household tasks, and take care of children in the expectation that they would marry well, or sent to find jobs and earn money for the family.

England's population arose. As a result of the cheaper earnings, there was inflation. Those who could work and support themselves were expected to do so. Major cities, particularly London, became crowded as a result of an increase in population.
As a result, there were rat diseases, dirty surroundings, and illnesses spread quickly. The Elizabethan Era saw numerous plague outbreaks, which led to the prohibition of outdoor gatherings, including performances of theatre.

Political Background:

The Parliament of Britain was not yet powerful enough to oppose Royal authority during Queen Elizabeth I's reign. After James I succeeded to the throne, this changed. Numerous attempted murders against the Queen were stopped by a sophisticated spy network and a powerful military. 

The Spanish Armada's attempted invasion of England in 1588 was thwarted by Queen Elizabeth I's army and navy fleet, solidifying England's and Queen Elizabeth I's dominance in Europe. Additionally, the time was characterized by political inquiry and growth. A prosperous time of trade resulted in commercial advancement.

Famous explorers who traveled out to sea to discover new territories are associated with the Tudor and Elizabethan eras. As a result, it is also appropriate to have a wealth of knowledge about the Age of Exploration and notable European explorers like Vasco da Gama and Christopher Columbus.

The structure of society that existed in England during the Elizabethan era was as follows: the king had the highest position, followed by the nobility, wealthy merchants, and laborers in that order. The queen was viewed as the physical representation of God.

The Elizabethans valued a family's role in a community highly. They thought that families served as good examples for the neighborhood. They were disciplined and committed to strict rules that respected the value of hierarchy.

The Elizabethan era was notable for its uncontrolled enthusiasm, a strong sense of patriotism, tolerance of all religions, and advancement in learning. Fabulous ideas, intense emotions, and ferocious deeds were the foundations of this period.