English Elizabethan England

Who was at the top of the social pyramid in Shakespearean England?

The monarch, seen as God’s chosen ruler. In this case, Elizabeth I.

What class was directly beneath the monarch in the social hierarchy?

The nobility (nobles and lords), who had titles, wealth, land, and power.

What group of people made up the nobility?

Around 50 wealthy families who owned most of the land in England.

Who were the gentry, and where did they stand in the hierarchy?

The gentry were below the nobility who included Knights, squires, gentlemen/gentlewomen, and well-educated landowners , who had wealth and land, but no titles.

What class came below the gentry?

The ‘Middling Sort,’ which included tradesmen, lawyers, merchants, teachers, and their families.

Who were the ‘Lower Sort’?

Peasants, farmers, laborers, beggars, and servants. They also required a license to beg.

What was the role of yeomen in society or known as middle sort?

They were part of the middle class and included merchants and craftsmen who might run businesses or farm land.

What social class did Shakespeare’s family belong to?

The ‘Middling Sort’—his father was a glove maker who owned property.