Elizabethan Society: Leisure Interpretations

History
GCSE / Year 10 / Grade 9
8 questions
~16 mins
1 views0 downloads

About This Worksheet

This worksheet explores different historical interpretations of leisure activities in Elizabethan society, encouraging students to compare viewpoints and evaluate their strength.

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Elizabethan Society: Leisure Interpretations

Subject: HistoryGrade: GCSE / Year 10 / Grade 9
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Untitled Worksheet

Grade GCSE / Year 10 / Grade 9
A

Contrasting Historians' Views on Elizabethan Leisure

Historian A: John Guy – Social Perspective "John Guy argues that leisure in Elizabethan society was primarily a reflection of social hierarchy. He emphasizes that the upper classes enjoyed elaborate entertainment such as court masques and hunting, which reinforced social status. Meanwhile, common people engaged in simpler activities like tavern visits and rural festivals, which fostered community bonds. Guy suggests that leisure was an important way for different classes to express their identity and reinforce social divisions. Overall, he sees leisure as integral to maintaining the social order in Elizabethan England."

Historian B: E. G. R. Taylor – Economic Perspective "E. G. R. Taylor claims that leisure activities in Elizabethan society were mostly driven by economic factors. She highlights that many leisure pursuits, such as attending plays or participating in fairs, were commercial enterprises that contributed to economic growth. Taylor argues that leisure was also linked to the rise of a consumer culture, with people spending money on entertainment to demonstrate wealth. She contends that economic motives significantly shaped leisure, making it a reflection of the country's developing capitalism rather than solely social or cultural practices."

B

Questions on Elizabethan Leisure Interpretations

1.
Summarize each historian's view on leisure in Elizabethan society. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
2.
Compare the reasons why these historians have different views on Elizabethan leisure. (6 marks)
[6 marks]
3.
Which historian's interpretation do you find more convincing? Explain why. (6 marks)
[6 marks]
4.
Outline how leisure activities might have varied between different social classes in Elizabethan England. (5 marks)
[5 marks]
5.
Explain why understanding different interpretations of Elizabethan leisure is important for studying history. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
6.
Compare the types of sources each historian might have used to develop their views. (5 marks)
[5 marks]
7.
Analyse how the social and economic factors of Elizabethan society influenced leisure activities. (6 marks)
[6 marks]
8.
Outline the reasons why interpretations of Elizabethan leisure might change with new evidence or perspectives. (4 marks)
[4 marks]

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Details

Created
1/1/2026
Updated
1/1/2026
Type
worksheet