a golden age

Question 1

what was the order of the Great Chain of Being?

Answer 1

God at the top
Nobility- most powerful and wealthy men e.g. Privy Councillors
Gentry- wealthy landowners- held important positions
Peasantry- poorest members of society
animals and plants- below human beings

Question 2

who built Hardwick House?

Answer 2

Bess of Hardwick (Elizabeth Shrewsbury)
built it between 1590 and 1597

Question 3

what was Hardwick House?

Answer 3

one of the grandest houses- way to demonstrate her wealth and position in society

Question 4

what were some features of Hardwick House?

Answer 4

elaborate geometric plasterwork
reflected the latest Renaissance fashion’s
Great Chamber- entertaining guests- included portraits of the Queen

Question 5

what was the rise of the Gentry?

Answer 5

before Elizabeth’s reign, almost all wealth was held by the nobility
Elizabethean period brought stability
people could make money from trade
Gentry filled powerful positions by becoming MP’s and Justices of the Peace

Question 6

what were the changing homes of the Gentry?

Answer 6

lavish country homes- no longer for defence but to show refined taste
symmetrical- open courtyards- unlike the closed, secure ones before
expensive glass windows to show wealth
Medieval great hall replaced by a Great chamber
number of rooms increased- separated servants from owners