It goes without saying that there was a huge discrepancy in upper and lower classes within the Queen Elizabeth I’s era. They were essentially treated much differently and were given far less opportunities in almost any social area. Unlike today where the division is far less, the division was huge during this time.
For example, it does not matter how rich you are by today’s standards, everyone has probably eaten a good cheeseburger from one of the many fast food restaurants. Back in the Elizabethan era this probably would not have been the case.
In fact, most of the meat was given to the upper class where the lower class typically only ate vegetables, fruit, and fish. The odd part is that through more recent studies, we now know that the lower class probably had a better diet than the upper class of that time.
Elizabethan Era Upper Class
In fact, the upper class was probably much more susceptible to things like bladder infections and kidney stones based on their diet. Social events themselves were not much different. Although both lower and upper class were able to see plays written by William Shakespeare they were separated to a certain degree.
Elizabethan Era Lower Class
The lower class often stood in an area designated as the “stinkard pit”. It was standing room only. The upper class though would pay a little bit extra. They would have better seats and also have cushions that they would sit on.
The fashion of the Elizabethan era was probably not too different in appearance at initial glance. However, upper class women would frequently adorn their hair with jewels and elaborate things. Lower class would still have their hair up but probably were limited to hats and other less expensive things. Their hair was still very extravagant.
Obviously though, the upper class were given better treatment and were more likely to have taken better care of their hair and hygiene. This usually took more money and that is not something that the lower class citizens had much of during this era even though England as a whole was thriving throughout most of it.
More Info On- Elizabethan Social and Society, Clothing or Outfits of men and women
