Elizabethan Age

The Elizabethan Age - Elizabethan WeaponsThe medieval Feudal system had ended by the Elizabethan era. Nobles were no longer expected to provide trained soldiers to fight for the Queen or to provide clothes and weapons for the soldiers. Weapons had changed with technology and the musket had just been introduced. However the threat of war was constant during the Elizabethan era due to the Catholic Spanish and French. Many weapons from the Medieval period were therefore still of use. England did not have a standing army during the Elizabethan era and relied on the strength of the 'Trayned Bandes', or Trained Bands, who acted as a National Guard.Elizabethan Weapons - The RapierSkill in Fencing during the Elizabethan era was a requirement of all Upper class Nobility. The different types of swords ranged from the smallest Broadsword measuring from 30 inches to the Greatswords which measured up to 72 inches. The weight of swords used during this era are usually presumed to be a lot heavier than they actually were! The use of the sword and the acquisition of fencing arts changed as technology increased and firearms were introduced and used for military warfare. The elegant rapier was used in preference to the older, clumsier cutting swords. A sword was an important part of a nobles apparel and it was important that he had adequate fencing skills. The wearing of the sword with civilian dress  was a custom that had begun in late fifteenth-century Spain.Elizabethan ArmorThe armor of the Elizabethan period was used mainly for decoration in parades and ceremonies - not for protection purposes in war. Armor became more and more expensive and elaborate. But Knights and armor still had a part to play in the Elizabethan Tournaments which featured in Elizabethan entertainment. The Tournaments were the favorite sport of Elizabethan Knights. The tournaments kept the knight in excellent condition for the role he might need to play during warfare. There were different types of Elizabethan Tournaments, joust or melees, which each had a different type of combat method involving fighting on foot or on horseback. These tournaments reflected many of the fighting practises and weapons used during the Medieval period.Elizabethan Weapons from the Medieval PeriodThe threat of the Spanish also ensured that many of the tried and tested weapons used during the Medieval period did not disappear. The following weapons were available during the Elizabethan era:A variety of swords as well as the rapier including the Broadsword and the Cutting swordThe Battle Axe - A variety single and double-handed axe were in use throughout the Medieval periodThe Mace - The mace was an armor-fighting weapon. The Mace developed from a steel ball on a wooden handle, to an elaborately spiked steel war clubThe Dagger including the Basilard, a two-edged, long bladed daggerThe Lance - A long, strong, spear-like weapon. Designed for use on horsebackWeapons which could be used by Foot soldiers and ArchersArbalest - This is the correct term for a CrossbowAxe - Single and double-handed battle axesBasilard - A two-edged, long bladed daggerBill - A polearm with a wide cutting blade occasionally with spikes and hooksBillhook - Capable of killing Knights and their horsesBow and ArrowCaltrop: Sharp spikes on 12 - 18 feet poles used, in formation, to maim a horseCrossbow - The crossbow range was 350 – 400 yards but could only be shot at a rate of 2 bolts per minuteDagger - A short pointed knife

Halberd - A broad, short axe blade on a 6 foot pole with a spear point at the top with a back spikeLongbow - The Longbow could pierce armour at ranges of more than 250 yards - a longbowman could release between 10 - 12 arrows per minuteMace - The mace was an armor-fighting weapon. The Mace developed from a steel ball on a wooden handle, to an elaborately spiked steel war clubPike - A long spear measuring between 18 feet and 20 feetPoleaxe - Polearm - Polehammer - Bec de Corbin - Bec de Faucon - A group of pole-mounted weapons. Were all variations of poles measuring 6 feet long with different 'heads' - spikes, hammers, axeSpear - Used for thrustingElizabethan Weapons - FirearmsBy the end of the 1500's firearms were in common use. The musket was invented towards the end of the Medieval era in 1520. By 1595 all bows were ordered to be exchanged for muskets. The most popular firearm was called a Matchlock (this name derived as it was fired by the application of a burning match). It was inaccurate, slow to load and expensive. It was eventually replaced by the Flintlock. Canons were developed which replaced the heavy artillery of the Medieval years such as the ballista, trebuchet and the Mangonel. These early canons were made of bronze or iron and fired stone or iron. They were made in different sizes and were used on both land and on sea.Interesting Facts and Information about the Elizabethan Age and Elizabethan WeaponsThe introduction of firearms into the Elizabethan Weapons Arsenal saw the end of castle warfare and the building of the magnificent Medieval castles.Architecture of Elizabethan HousesThe Architecture of Elizabethan Houses was highly distinctive and many examples of Tudor and Elizabethan houses can still be seen in England today. This proves how good the architects and builders of Elizabethan houses were! Elizabethan houses were built to last!Architecture of Tudor / Elizabethan HousesThe Black and White Half Timbered style of Elizabethan architectureThe actual architecture of Middle class houses was similar to traditional medieval styles. But Elizabethan Houses were framed with massive upright, vertical timbers. These vertical timbers were often supported by diagonal timbers. The wattle walls were daubed with mortar and whitewash was then applied. This process resulted in the highly distinctive black and white half-timbered Elizabethan HousesArchitecture Features of Half Timbered Tudor / Elizabethan HousesElizabethan houses included the following features:Vertical and diagonal timbersHigh chimneysOverhanging first floors - galleriesPillared porchesDormer windowsThatched roofsLeaded windowsThe tall thin chimneys of Elizabethan houses were often topped with decorative chimney pots with symmetrical patterns.Architecture of Elizabethan Houses - Glass WindowsIn the Elizabethan houses of the Upper and Middle classes panes of glass were added, replacing horn or wooden shutters, and the interior of homes became lighter and airier. To make a pane of glass was a painstaking process. A blob of glass was blown into a cylinder shaped bubble. The cylinder was placed on a cooling table and cut in half. A small piece of glass was produced. The small pieces of glass for the windows were joined together with lead. The leaded window panes were constructed in a in a criss-

cross , or ‘lattice’, pattern. The design was a casement windows. Casement  windows were attached to a hinge which opened outwards.Architecture of Elizabethan Houses - Thatched RoofsMiddle or Lower Class Elizabethan houses had thatched roofs. The materials used to make a thatched roof was either straw or reeds. Bundles of straw or reed were piled on to the frame of the roof. The bundles had a circumference of between 24 to 27 inches and could range from 3 to 7 feet long. The roof was the only place for animals to get warm, so all the dogs, cats and other small animals,  such as mice, lived in the thatched roof. When it rained the thatched roof became slippery and sometimes the animals would fall off, hence the old English saying "It's raining cats and dogs!"Architecture of Elizabethan Houses - Overhanging windows and galleriesIn the Elizabethan houses of the Lower classes an important feature, specially in towns and cities, were the overhanging windows in the upper storeys of the houses. The building of such overhangs enabled additional floor and living space which was not subject to ground rent! This led to the houses in cities, such as London, where land was expensive to be built in close proximity to each other forming streets where the overhang windows almost met. This resulted in extremely dark streets where little sunlight was allowed through.Architecture of Elizabethan TheatresThe Architecture of Elizabethan Theatres - think of a public outdoor structure like the Coliseum or a small football stadium with a capacity of between 1500 and 3000 people and this gives you a good idea about the architecture of an Elizabethan theatre! James Burbage built the very first theatre with his brother-in-law John Brayne, appropriately named 'The Theatre'. The architecture of 'The Theatre' was designed as a construction which was similar to a small Roman amphitheatre - the Elizabethan Amphitheatre. The features of the existing blood sport rings were used with the addition of a fixed stage. The other important feature was the cobbled yard, as opposed to the bare earth floor suited to animals.Architecture of Elizabethan Theatres - classical elements of Greek architectureClassic Greek and Roman architecture was admired by the Elizabethans and sometimes great columns framed the entrances of many great Elizabethan houses. Two great columns were included in the architecture of the Elizabethan theatres which were called 'Herculean' columns or pillars - these were elaborately painted to resemble marble. The architecture of the Elizabethan theatres was deliberately designed to reflect elements of Roman or Greek architecture thus elevating the shabby reputation of plays and actors to the much admired Greek or Roman classical plays!Architect of the Elizabethan TheatreJames Burbage had many ideas about creating the first Elizabethan theatre. He started his career as a joiner and was therefore experienced in carpentry. But he did not have the knowledge required to create the similarity to the classical Greek and Roman theatres. But he knew a man who did! James Burbage consultedDr. John Dee (1527-1608) on the design and construction of 'The Theatre'. The notorious Dr. Dee, renowned as an Elizabethan  magician and alchemist, was also extremely knowledgeable about architecture. James Burbage relied on Dee's extensive architectural library to design the plans for the construction of The Theatre.Interesting Facts and Information about Architecture of Elizabethan TheatresThe following table provides some interesting facts and information about Elizabethan Architecture and Architecture of Elizabethan TheatresArchitecture of Elizabethan Castles?There were no actual castles built during the Elizabethan era! WHY? England had many great existing castles. The architecture of these castles dated back to the Normans and the Medieval period. The decline of the Feudal system and new weapon technology led to the decline of the English castle.  The Medieval feudal system was headed by the King who ruled England with the backing of the great

Nobles and Lords. The Feudal system demanded that each noble showed allegiance by fighting for the King and providing:Trained soldiers to fight for the KingEquipment - clothes and weapons - for the soldiers This led to the monarchy being threatened by powerful nobles! This led to the emergence of men like Warwick the Kingmaker and the War of the Roses. John Dudley was also a powerful noble and attempted to place Lady Jane Grey on the throne of England. From Queen Elizabeth's perspective the last thing she wanted were wealthy nobles building massive power bases - Elizabethan castles! The development of fire arms and canon made castles a far easier target - they could be easily destroyed. The castle was therefore replaced with the 'Palace', a large or splendid residence.The development of English castle architecture was as follows:The homes of the wealthy were therefore becoming more comfortable! Problem! Time had moved on to the Tudor era and the English were very nervous of the possibility of another French or even Spanish Invasion. England needed more defence! The history of the English castles moved on to the introduction of the Tudor Coastal Forts. The development of English castle architecture was as follows:The Wooden Motte and Bailey Medieval Castles built by the NormansThe Romanesque Architecture which featured in the great stone castles of the Normans which featured the Stone KeepsThe massive Concentric Castles built by Edward IThe changes to Medieval Castles with the emergence of Gothic ArchitectureThe Coastal forts built by King Henry VIII and his son, Edward VIThe palatial luxury of the Elizabethan 'Castles' now referred to as mansions or palacesThe history of castles is linked to several major factors:The development of new technology and building methodsThe development of warfare and new weaponsSocial and cultural changesDefensive and Offensive requirementsSymbolic or political reasons for a castle locationArchitecture of Elizabethan 'Castles'The Renaissance style of Elizabethan architecture had shifted from the pointed, ornate Gothic style to the plainer Renaissance style which was symmetrical. The symmetry was displayed in both the architecture and the gardens. The emphasis was placed on a horizontal rather than vertical line. The crenellations which featured in medieval castles were no longer included for practical defensive or offensive reasons in Elizabethan architecture. Elizabethan mansions emphasised luxury and comfort - not power and dominance. Artificial crenellations purely for show were allowed to be built in private houses, but only with the permission of the reigning monarch!Elizabethan Architecture - Elizabethan mansions - Hardwick HallUpper Class houses of the wealthy followed a similar renaissance style of Elizabethan architecture. Stone and expensive bricks were used for durability and appearance. Classic Greek and Roman architecture was admired by the Elizabethans and sometimes great columns framed the entrances of many great Elizabethan houses and mansions. One of the most impressive houses, or mansions, built during the Elizabethan era which made use of such columns was was the magnificent Hardwick Hall. This great, palatial building was built by the Countess of Shrewsbury, known as Bess of Hardwick (1527 - 1608). Bess was the second most powerful woman in England, next to Queen Elizabeth. Hardwick Hall was truly magnificent, four storeys tall with prolific plaster work. One of its major features was many glass windows. The windows created such a wonderful sight that they were immortalised in and old English Rhyme:'Hardwick Hall - more glass than wall'

Another great house built during the Elizabethan era between 1555 and 1587 was Burghley House which was built for Sir William Cecil (Lord Burghley).First Renaissance style architecture in England - Hampton CourtThe Gothic style of architecture moved into the Renaissance style of architecture. And the first Renaissance style architecture in England was Hampton Court. Hampton Court was built by Cardinal Wolsey between 1514 and 1528. The style had shifted from the pointed, ornate Gothic style to the plainer Renaissance style which was symmetrical. The symmetry was displayed in both the architecture and the gardens. The emphasis was placed on a horizontal rather than vertical line. Hampton Court also boasted wonderful marble floors instead of the rushes used as floor coverings during the Medieval era. The Renaissance interest in astrology was also included with a huge clock which was an amazing feature of Hampton Court.Elizabethan Architecture Upper Class Houses and MansionsUpper Class houses of the wealthy followed a similar renaissance style of Elizabethan architecture. Stone and expensive bricks were used for durability and appearance ( as opposed to the timber and wattle of Lower Class houses). Classic Greek and Roman architecture was admired by the Elizabethans and sometimes great columns framed the entrances of many great Elizabethan houses. One of the most impressive houses built during the Elizabethan era which made use of such columns was was the magnificent Hardwick Hall. This great, palacial building was built by the Countess of Shrewsbury, known as Bess of Hardwick (1521 - 1607). Bess started her life relatively poor. She married four times and was the second most powerful woman in England, next to Queen Elizabeth. Hardwicke Hall was truly magnificent, four storeys tall with prolific plaster work. One of its major features was many glass windows. The windows created such a wonderful sight that they were immortalised in and old English Rhyme:'Hardwick Hall - more glass than wall'Another great house built during the Elizabethan era between 1555 and 1587 was Burghley House which was built for Sir William Cecil (Lord Burghley).Architecture of Elizabethan Castles?The crenellations which featured in medieval castles were no longer included for practical defensive or offensive reasons. The feudal system had broken down and the monarchy no longer relied on great and powerful Lords. The emergence of such a great noble would have been seen as a threat to the monarchy. Elizabethan mansions emphasised luxury and comfort - not power and dominance. Artificial crennelations purely for show ere allowed to be built in private houses, but only with the permission of the reigning monarchArchitecture of Churches in the Elizabethan era?The Medieval obsession of building numerous churches ceased in the Elizabethan era. The Medieval Churches had been well built and most villages and towns boasted a local church. Religion was an important part of the life of Elizabethans - failure to attend church on a Sunday was against the law of the land and resulted in a fine. But the building of additional churches were deemed unnecessary ( it must also be remembered that there were no seats in churches at this time - people stood!)Tudor / Elizabethan HousesThe Black and White Half Timbered style of Elizabethan architectureThe actual architecture of Middle class houses was similar to traditional medieval styles. But Elizabethan Houses were framed with massive upright, vertical timbers. These vertical timbers were often supported by diagonal timbers. The wattle walls were daubed with mortar and whitewash was then applied. Other features of the Elizabethan house were high chimneys, overhanging first floors, pillared porches, dormer windows and thatched roofs gave Elizabethan architecture its striking effects. The distinctive Black and White Tudor / Elizabethan Houses were created!Elizabethan PeriodThe Elizabethan Period was the age of the Renaissance, of new ideas and new thinking.  The

introduction of the printing press during the Renaissance, one of the greatest tools in increasing knowledge and learning, was responsible for the interest in the different sciences and inventions - and the supernatural! The new ideas, information and increased knowledge about science, technology and astrology led to a renewed interest in the supernatural including witches, witchcraft and ghosts which led to belief in superstitions and the supernatural. Facts about all of these subjects are included in this Elizabethan Period section, the content of each has been summarised on this page.Witchcraft and Witches in the periodDuring the Renaissance period people blamed unexplainable events as the work of witches. Women were those most often accused of being witches! The hysteria and paranoia regarding witches which was experienced in Europe did not fully extend to England during this turbulent period. However, Queen Elizabeth I passed a new and harsher witchcraft Law in 1562 leading to witch hunts and the prosecution of witches. Facts, Witchcraft Timeline and information about Witchcraft and Witches in the Renaissance Period.Superstitions in the Elizabethan PeriodFear of the supernatural and forces of nature or God resulted in the belief of superstitions during the Elizabethan period. Renaissance Superstitions included those related to Witches Sneezing, Eclipse and the 7th son, of a seventh son, Peacock Feathers, Shoes, Spilling Salt and Pepper, Touching wood, Ladders and Black cats. Find out about the strange superstitions of the period, and compare them to the beliefs we have in the modern age. Facts and information about Superstitions during the Elizabethan Period.Astrology in the Renaissance PeriodAstrology - the study of the positions and aspects of celestial bodies in the belief that they have an influence on the course of natural earthly occurrences and human affairs and events. The greatest Astrologers including John Dee. Astrology in the period had culminated in the Renaissance fusion of Christianity, Hermetic Philosophy and its associated 'sciences' of magic, astrology and alchemy. Facts and information about Astrology during the Elizabethan PeriodScience and Technology in the Elizabethan PeriodInteresting Facts and information about Renaissance Science and Scientists, the Scientific Renaissance, Copernicus and the Copernican Theory, Galileo, Kepler, Versalius and Harvey. The Scientific Method. Facts and information about Science and Technology during the Elizabethan Period.Elizabethan Period Money and CurrencyInteresting facts and information about the Money and Currency used during the Elizabethan period. Money and Currency in the Period. Elizabethan Money and Currency 1558 - 1603. History of Coinage - Fineness. The History of the Penny. Units of Currency & Value of Money. Elizabethan Money and Currency - WagesElizabethan Money and Currency Equivalent to modern day money.Inventions in the Elizabethan PeriodRenaissance & Elizabethan Inventions and Inventors Timeline. Inventions and Inventors of the Renaissance period. Telescope, Pocket Watch, Bottle Beer! Flush Toilet! Thermometer and even the Frozen Chicken! Leonardo da Vinci ,Galileo and Sir John Harrington. Facts and information about Inventions in the Elizabethan Period.Elizabethan Ghosts in the Elizabethan PeriodInteresting Facts and information about Elizabethan Ghosts and hauntings during the Elizabethan Period. Ghosts encountered by Elizabethans. The sories about different ghosts including those of Sir Walter Raleigh and the tragic Lady Jane Grey. Famous haunted English and Welsh Castles. Descriptions of Ghosts. Facts and information about ghosts and their hauntings during the Elizabethan Period.Elizabethan EnglandThe section and era covering Elizabethan England includes the following subjects:

Elizabethan England - Crime & PunishmentElizabethan England and Elizabethan Crime and Punishment - not a happy subject. Violent times. Crimes were met with violent, cruel punishments. Many punishments and executions were witnessed by many hundreds of people. Facts about the different Crime and Punishment of the Nobility, Upper Classes and Lower Classes.Elizabethan England - Elizabethan ExecutionsElizabethan England and Elizabethan Executions. The Death Penalty was definitely not an issue during the Elizabethan era, the only question was what form of execution did the person in question deserve. Executions by beheading were considered the least brutal of execution methods and were accorded to important State prisoners or people of noble birth. The most dreadful punishment of being Hung, Drawn and Quartered was a barbaric form of execution was reserved for the most hated prisoners who had usually been convicted of treason.Elizabethan England - Elizabethan TorturesElizabethan Tortures were excruciatingly painful and violent. Various means of tortures were use to extract confessions for crime. The Rack, the Scavenger's Daughter, the Collar, the Iron Maiden, Branding Irons, the Wheel and Thumbscrews were all excrutiating methods of Elizabethan tortures.Elizabethan England - Religion - Protestants, Catholics and JewsThe two major religions in Elizabethan England were the Catholic and Protestant religions. The convictions and beliefs in these different religions were so strong that they led to the executions of many adherents to both of these Elizabethan religions. What were the differences between the Catholic and Protestant religion and beliefs in Elizabethan England? How were the Jews perceived in England during the Elizabethan era. How were Catholics and Jews treated in the Elizabethan era?Elizabethan England - The Poor LawSociety in Elizabethan England was changing and the number of poor people living in abject poverty was increasing. A series of laws was introduced by the English Parliament in 1563, 1572, 1576, 1597 culminating in the 1601 Poor Law designed to make provision for the poor. The poor were divided into three categories - the 'Deserving Poor', the 'Deserving Unemployed' and 'Undeserving Poor' - those who turned to a life of crime or had become beggars.Elizabethan England - Elizabethan LawsThe section covers Tudor and Elizabethan Laws passed during the 1500's. Important dates and details of Laws which effected the every day lives of Elizabethans in england including the 1559 Second Act of Supremacy the 1574 Sumptuary Laws called the 'Statutes of Apparel' and the 1601 Poor Law.Elizabethan England - Elizabethan Sumptuary LawsEnglish 1574 Sumptuary Laws were well known by all of the English people. The penalties for violating Sumptuary Laws in England could be harsh - fines, the loss of property, title and even life! Sumptuary Laws were imposed by rulers to curb the expenditure of the people! Such laws might apply to food, beverages, furniture, jewelry and clothing. These Sumptuary Laws, called the Statutes of Apparel, were used to control behaviour and ensure that a specific class structure was maintained in Englanda