London in Shakespeares Time The Elizabethan Era 1558

London in Shakespeare’s Time

The Elizabethan Era (1558 -1603) • A golden age in English history. • height of the English Renaissance, and the growing of English literature and poetry. • Elizabethan theatre grew and William Shakespeare, among others, composed plays that broke away from England's past style of plays. • More people were educated during this time in London than ever before.

The Elizabethan Era (1558 -1603) • London in the 16 th century had a transformation. • Population grew 400% from 1500 to 1600, swelling to nearly two hundred thousand people in the city.

Poor Sanitation • • Little or no drainage Running water hard to come by Bad smells Bathing not common practice

The Black Plague • Bubonic plague – originated in Central Asia killing 25 million • Hit London several times • Rats hosted the disease carriers

Why study Shakespeare? Shakespeare helped turn theatrical profession into an important profession loved by all the people, from Kings and Queens to peasants and servants. Today, a writer, actor, director, or producer is well respected Words and Phrases created over 2, 000 new words and phrases.

Entertainment • Other than gambling, drinking at the pub, playing cards, tennis and lawn bowling, watching plays (the theatre) was the main source of entertainment.

The Globe • Across the Thames River, outside the city limits you will come to Southwark • Here you will find more than just theatre. • Most of the really low company you may be looking for is probably hanging out in across the river. • Naturally the bear garden (for bear baiting) is here, as are the play houses