Read the following information on Elizabethan Society. Choose information that shows it is a golden age and which does not.

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Witchcraft

Most people believed that witches could use evil magic against them. Witches were accused of causing bad harvests, injuries or even death.  More witches than Catholics were executed during Elizabeth’s reign.

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The Printing Press

All books were written by hand in the Middle Ages.  The printing press was invented in the 15th century.  It became much cheaper to produce books, and new ideas spread more easily.  By Elizabeth’s reign there were printing presses all over the country.  More people were buying books than ever before.

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Education

For boys from well-off families, there were better opportunities for education than ever before.  During Elizabeth’s reign many new grammar schools and university colleges were opened.

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The Renaissance

In Europe, many people were interested in the culture of the Ancient Greeks and Roman.  They began to learn and question old ideas.  These interests spread to England in the 16th Century.

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Illness and disease

No one understood the causes of disease.  Many people died unexpectedly at an early age, especially babies.  There were frequent outbreaks of plague.  Old herbal remedies, prayers and charms were used to cure and prevent illness.

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Elizabeth’s role

Elizabeth was a patron of the arts.  She loved music and dancing.  She sang, and played the lute, the lyre and the virginals (a keyboard instrument).  Elizabeth employed the best artists and invited the best actors and musicians to perform for her at Court.

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Astrology

Most people believed that the stars and planets influenced their lives.  Astrologers studied the heavens to predict the futures.  Elizabeth asked John Dee, the most famous astrologer, to choose a day when the stars and planets were in favourable positions for her coronation day.

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Protestantism

Protestants hated the old traditions of the Catholic Church, such as pilgrimages and the belief in miracles.  They thought these ideas were just superstition.  They wanted as many people as possible to read the Bible for themselves.

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Wealth

Many people became wealthy through agriculture and trade.  This gave them more money to spend on entertainment, and on education for their sons.

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Illiteracy

Most people were too poor to send their children to school.  By 1600 only 30% of men and fewer than 10% of women could read or write.