Elizabeth I became the queen of England in 1558, six years before Shakespeare's birth. During her 45-year reign, London became a cultural and commercial center where learning and literature thrived.
RELIGION: When Queen Elizabeth ascended to the throne, there were violent clashes throughout Europe between Protestant and Catholic followers. She honored many of the Protestant edicts of her father, King Henry VIII, but she also made concessions to Catholic people. In fact, in this way she could avoid to be attacked by France or Spain or other Catholic countries. During the Elizabethan Age there was no legal way for Catholics to practise their faith, but powerful people were less likely to be punished than others and wealthy Catholic families secretly maintained private chaplains. The important thing for the Elizabethan Age's Catholic was to respect the law.
EDUCATION: Boys were educated to be literate members of society. The language of literacy throughout Europe was Latin. Children went to school from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Schooling was not encouraged for girls.
THEATRE: Elizabethan theatre encompasses the period between 1558 and 1642. The most famous playhouse was the Globe, built in 1559, but in 1613 it burned to the ground. Theatres could hold several thousand people. Performances were held in the afternoon, because there was no artificial lighting.
THEATRE: Elizabethan theatre encompasses the period between 1558 and 1642. The most famous playhouse was the Globe, built in 1559, but in 1613 it burned to the ground. Theatres could hold several thousand people. Performances were held in the afternoon, because there was no artificial lighting.
