The 'Golden Age' (AQA GCSE History)

Why was there a ‘Golden Age’ in England?  - Summary

The Elizabethan period is often termed a "Golden Age" due to a combination of cultural, economic and political factors. During this period, the European Renaissance flourished, bringing a renewed interest in art, science, and exploration. England, influenced by the vibrant cultural trends in France and Italy, experienced a blossoming of literature, theatre and music. 

Fashion, art and architecture also saw significant developments, inspired by European styles. Economic prosperity, created by exploration and trade, allowed for greater patronage of the arts and advancements in education and literacy. 

Politically, the reign of Elizabeth I brought stability and national pride. It created an environment where creativity and intellectual pursuits could thrive.

What was the ‘Golden Age’?

• The term ‘Golden Age’ is used when there is a period of great achievement 

• Elizabeth’s reign has often been referred to as the ‘Golden Age’ as her reign was a period of great change and achievement

• The Elizabethan period was witness to many advancements and ideas in: 

  • Art 

  • Exploration 

  • Education 

  • Literature 

  • Architecture 

  • Theatre 

  • Science 

  • Technology 

• Elizabeth’s reign was long, lasting for 45 years 

  • Her long reign allowed for stability, which England needed after years of political and religious instability 

• Elizabeth’s reign saw military successes 

  • Elizabeth defeated the Spanish Armada, previous monarchs had not been as successful in battle 

• In some sections of society, there was an increase in wealth 

  • This increase in wealth and trade made people proud to be English

Elizabethan fashion

• Fashion was very important during the Elizabethan period because it was: 

  • A way of showing your wealth 

  • A status symbol 

• In 1562 Elizabeth passed laws to control what people wore

  • These laws were a way to reinforce the ‘Great Chain of Being’ in Elizabethan England

• Fashion differed between men and women, however, some fashion items were a must for both

Fashion in Elizabethan England 

Elizabethan architecture

• Architecture was another way that Elizabethans showed off their wealth and status 

• Previously, the main function of a home for the higher classes was for security and protection 

  • Homes were built with defensive features like walls and gates 

• During the Elizabethan period, homes were created for: 

  • Comfort 

  • Fashion 

  • As a display of people’s wealth and intellect 

• The Elizabethan period was known as the ‘Great Rebuilding’ 

  • Wealthy Elizabethans built many stately homes or renovated their homes 

  • The ‘Great Rebuilding’ was possible due to 

    • The dissolution of the monasteries allowed the wealthy to buy lots of land

    • An increase in wealth amongst the higher classes

• The French and Italian Renaissance styles inspired Elizabethan architecture. This is evident in the following features: 

  • The geometric plasterwork 

  • Features such as the loggia 

  • Symmetrical layout of the houses

  • Oak wooden panelling 

  • Stonework

• Elizabethans showed off their wealth in their homes by including different features such as

  • Glass

    • Houses like Hardwick Hall had walls of glass 

    • Only the wealthiest people could display glass on both the inside and outside of their homes

  • Chimneys

    • The more chimneys a house had, the more rooms they had and could afford to heat

  • The long gallery 

    • Galleries were used for exercise and displaying art 

• Elizabethan homes like Hardwick Hall are excellent examples of Elizabethan architecture 

Was there really a ‘Golden Age’? 

• The idea that people during the Elizabethan period were living in a ‘Golden Age’ was common 

• However, some historians claim that the “Golden Age” of the Elizabethan period was a myth

• Although the Elizabethan period was a time of great achievement, England was still cruel and unenlightened 

  • Blood sports were still popular 

    • Such as bear baiting and dog fighting 

  • Life expectancy was low 

  • A large majority of people lived in poor conditions 

  • Non-scientific beliefs were still being used 

    • Astrology was used to cure a sick person