Stuart Britian - Society section 1625-1688

Theme - Population Growth:

Key Development: population rose until mid-century: slowed later; major urbanisation, especially in London.

Precise Examples: population - 5M by 1650, Plague 1665. London - 500k by 1688, migration increased.

Significance: moderate change overall, urbanisation reshaped economy and society.

Theme - Growth of London:

Key Developments: more people moving to London led to greater cultural change. Political, legal and economic centre.

Precise Examples: N/A

Significance: High change impacted marriage rates, education, professional classes, job opportunities - BUT London always a commercial hub.

Theme - Changing Structure in Society:

Key Developments: greater social mobility - decline of rigid orders.

Precise Examples: Merchants buying land; rise of professionals, declining noble power.

Significance: High - more fluid social structure. BUT: structure still largely same.

Theme - Rise of Gentry:

Key Developments: Gentry grew in wealth, political influence, and local authority through land, office - holding and commercial farming - many also invested overseas.

Precise Examples: Hampden’s Ship Money Case (1637), Cromwell rise - restoration, JPs and militia offices; fen drainage schemes.

Significance: high extent - became dominant political class, replacing nobility in influence.