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Understanding Elizabethan Society: The Poor

History
GCSE
8 questions
~16 mins
1 views0 downloads

About This Worksheet

This worksheet explores the lives of the poor in Elizabethan England, encouraging students to read, interpret, and analyze historical sources and information.

Topics covered:

#History
#The Poor
#Analyze the responses of the government and society to poverty
#Outline the causes of poverty during Elizabethan times
#Standard
#Explain the living conditions of the poor in Elizabethan society
#Elizabethan Society
#Reading Comprehension
#Compare the experiences of different groups within the poor population

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Understanding Elizabethan Society: The Poor

Subject: HistoryGrade: GCSE
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Untitled Worksheet

Grade GCSE
A

Introduction to Elizabethan Poverty

Source A: A Poor person's description of life in Elizabethan London

'Life was a struggle for many. The streets were crowded with the destitute, begging for food and shelter. Many slept in alleyways or in the open, with little protection from the weather.' Provenance: Anonymous account from a contemporary pamphlet, 1590.

1.
Explain what Source A suggests about the living conditions of the poor in Elizabethan London. (3 marks)
[3 marks]
2.
Compare the experiences of the poor in Elizabethan London with those in the countryside based on your knowledge. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
B

The Causes of Poverty

Source B: A government report on poverty

'Many are poor due to laziness, while others suffer because of bad harvests or disease. The economy is not enough to support all.' Provenance: Official government report, 1595.

1.
Outline the main causes of poverty in Elizabethan society as presented in Source B. (3 marks)
[3 marks]
2.
Analyse whether the government’s view of the poor as lazy was justified, using both Source B and your own knowledge. (6 marks)
[6 marks]
C

Responses to Poverty

Source C: A record of Elizabethan Poor Laws

'The government established workhouses and outdoor relief to help the poor, especially those unable to work.' Provenance: Official legislation, 1598.

1.
Explain how the Elizabethan Poor Laws aimed to help the poor. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
2.
Compare the effectiveness of the Poor Laws with earlier approaches to helping the poor. (5 marks)
[5 marks]
D

The Role of Society

Source D: A noble’s view on poverty

'It is the duty of the wealthy to support the poor, but also to encourage them to work and improve themselves.' Provenance: Writings of Sir Thomas Smith, 1600.

1.
Explain what Source D suggests about society’s responsibilities towards the poor. (3 marks)
[3 marks]
2.
Analyse the limitations of Sir Thomas Smith’s view on helping the poor. (6 marks)
[6 marks]

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Details

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