The problem of poverty in Tudor England
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain why poverty became a 'problem' in Elizabethan England.
Key learning points
- The Tudor period saw great advances which were not equally enjoyed by the rich and poor.
- Poverty became a greater political issue in the late 16th century.
- The 1590s saw a series of bad harvests which accelerated levels of poverty.
- The Elizabethan elite were worried that rebellions fuelled by poverty might spring up.
Keywords
Poverty - poverty is the state of being extremely poor
Monasteries - monasteries are buildings occupied by a community of monks living under religious vows
Rebellion - a rebellion is an act of armed resistance against a government or leader
Common misconception
The government is there to help people when they are in need.
Throughout much of history, governments have regularly failed to support the most vulnerable in society, as many of them did not see that as their function.
Teacher tip
After explaining what a Golden Age is, ask students to write down what they would and would not expect to see during a time like this. Draw out responses that consider the health and wellbeing of the people and discuss whether good health is a necessary requirement of a Golden Age.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the words with their definitions.
Q2.What were royal progresses?
Q3.Whose right hand did Elizabeth I have chopped off in 1579?
Q4.The name given to the rousing speech that Elizabeth I gave in 1601 which increase her support was the .
Q5.Which of the following are examples of historians interpretations of Elizabeth I?
Q6.Elizabeth's portraits often contained to represent a particular message that she wanted to convey to her subjects.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1. are buildings occupied by a community of monks living under religious vows.
Q2.This keyword is an act of armed resistance against a government or leader.
Q3.The closure of which buildings removed a valuable safety net for England’s poorest and most vulnerable?
Q4.Which of the following factors contributed to the increase in poverty in the Tudor period?
Q5.What is rack-renting?
Q6.Which of the following statements accurately describes the impact of poverty in Tudor England. Select all of the correct statements.
To help you plan your 8 history lesson on: The problem of poverty in Tudor England, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 history lesson on: The problem of poverty in Tudor England, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 history lessons from the Life in Tudor England: was there a 'Golden Age' for the poor? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.