Rise of the Gentry and wealth

great chain of being

God

Angels

Kings and queens

Nobles

Peasants

Animals

Plants

Non-living things

order of status and wealth in a society

inequalities accepted

Nobility

owned a lot of land

large income

special privil

Gentry

owned land

wealthy

positions of influence e.g. MP

why did the Gentry grow power?

important government jobs - increased influence e.g. Walsingham

dominated House of Commons

given positions through patronage

Henry Vlll closed monasteries - land available / wealth

rising food prices - gentry made money

exploration - made England rich and famous

rich showed off : literacy

10% increased to 25% for men

rich showed off : education

desirable

grammar schools for the rich

rich showed off : feasting

banquets with meat showed wealth

sheep cost £900

rich showed off : food

1594-7 failed harvest so food symbol of wealth

rich showed off : clothing

Statues of Apparel 1574 - clothes based on rank, only royalty wear purple

rich showed off : make-up

white faces sign of wealth

rich showed off : comfort

homes not needing defence, had decorations and fireplaces

rich showed off : loyalty

homes built in an E

rich showed off : glass

homes built with glass - expensive