Thursday, 23 March 2017

Question 3 - London in Elizabethan times

What was London like in Elizabethan times?

London was the bustling centre for trade in the Elizabethan times, the River Thames providing a great means of transportation for cargo and goods. Unlike now, the water flowing through the city was smelly, dirty and filthy. London Bridge was bursting with shops where traders could show their wares. Much different to life now, severed heads were displayed along London Bridge, a dark and sinister reminder of what happened to traitors in Elizabethan times, a bleak practice that attracted flies and increased the already high spread of disease.

There were theatres all over the country, and many touring acting troupes, but Shakespeare resided in London for most of his working life. London was a haven for playwrights, where new plays were performed and the population included wealthy traders and manufacturers with the money to go to the theatre. London was also home to royalty and much of the nobility, who grew to love Shakespeare’s plays, and became patrons of the theatres, money needed to keep them going.


London was a large city, the numbers growing with the arrival of migrants from the country and Europe in search of work, due to changes in agriculture. From 1550 to 1600, ‘it is estimated that the city grew from around 50,000 residents to over 200,000’ a huge increase. In these times, the increases in the city lead to the ravage and spreading of disease, at a time when there was little medical advancement and understanding about the link between hygiene and illness. The deadly plague struck the cities in the hot summers, resulting in staggering deaths, and theatres had to be closed in these times.

The homes in Elizabethan London were famous for their black and white half timbered style. Some of the features the homes had are listed below;
-high chimneys, a contrast to the poorly ventilated country homes
-pillared porches
-thatched roofs
leaded windows

The city was overcrowded, dirty and busy. There was no drainage system, and people emptied chamber pots into the streets, which were slimy with refuse. The city had its own cleansers, however - the kites, which were small birds that made their nests from rags in the streets, and scavenged, eating rotting foods. The city was also noisy - as all the inhabitants drank ale, not water, and were constantly tipsy. Drinking was also an important social affair and a huge part of festivities.

Note - the quote used in this piece of writing is from the Globe's page on London.

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