English Society in the 17 th century

1. English Society in the 17th century Chapter 2: Pages 20-23

2. An Overview of English Society in the 17th Century • A century of major political change, impacting every aspect of life • The English population grew from 4,000,000 in 1600 to 4,500,000 in 1700 • There was a growing middle class because the status of merchant improved. • The defeat of the Spanish Armada allowed English ships to travel anywhere, leading to colonies in South Africa, India, North America and other areas as well! • This also meant that International merchandise was now available in England

3. 17th Century Women • Possible vocations: midwife, baker, tailor, domestic servant • Most were housewives, running their husbands’ houses. Middle class wives would do everything from milking the cows to making beer. Upper class housewives would co-ordinate the serving staff. • It was fashionable for women to wear big ruffled collars & black star patches on their faces • North American beaver skins led to a new hat fashion

4. Food/ Nutrition • Water wasn’t potable, so beer was consumed in the place of water • Households generally made their own bread • This century saw the introduction of dinner forks! • The diets and social customs of rich homes were being greatly influenced by products arriving from around the world including coffee, maize, pineapple, tobacco, etc.

5. Pastimes • Newspaper: First printed in 1621 • Theatre: Although popular, Puritans disapproved of it. From 1642-1660 it was banned! Women preformed too after 1660. • Yachting: Charles II made it popular • Bull & Bear fighting (vs. dogs) was a popular pastime of the poor

6. Education • 4-5 yrs: Rich children went to “Petty school” • 6-15 yrs: Boys went to “Grammar School” • Corporal punishment was commonplace. • Girls schools were introduced in the 17thcentury • While boys learned arithmetic, philosophy & studied great authors, wealthy girls learned writing, music and needlework. • Previously, girls would only be taught by tutors, and only then if they were from the upper class.

7. Science • During the 17th century, the science of chemistry developed from medieval alchemy, and the 17th century science of astronomy evolved from astrology.

8. Technology • There were some huge advances in technology in the 1600s • A piped water supply was created in London • “Hackney carriages” were still the main mode of transport on land • On the following slides you’ll see some of the major inventions of the 17th century…

9. In 1608 Hans Lippershey invents the first refracting telescope and in 1609, Galileo produced a variable focus instrument

10. In 1620 the earliest human-powered submarine was invented by CornelisDrebbel.

11. In 1656 Christian Huygens invents the first pendulum clock & in 1672 he patents the pocket watch.

12. Now… Your Tasks: • Read over the notes you’ve taken during this presentation and create level 2-3 questions in the left hand column • Summarize your notes • Turn to page 26 in Crossroads and read “The Role of Religion,” and “Witches.” → Write Cornell notes for these sections. → Finish by creating level 2-3 questions for your new notes.