Leisure, the Theatre, and Pastimes in Elizabethan England

This section explores the pastimes enjoyed by people during the Elizabethan era. The Renaissance, which had originated in Italy during the 14th century, sparked a flourishing of arts and culture throughout Europe. By the time of Elizabeth I's reign, England had also begun to experience a cultural renaissance, with significant growth in the fields of art, music, literature, and theatre. Elizabeth herself was a great patron of the arts, encouraging the development of these cultural expressions throughout her reign.

Theatre and Drama

Before Elizabeth’s reign, drama in England primarily consisted of religious plays, which were performed in public spaces, and the classical Greek and Roman dramas staged at universities such as Oxford and Cambridge. However, the 1570s marked a major shift in English drama with the rise of permanent professional acting companies. Wealthy noble patrons began to sponsor these groups, allowing actors to perform regularly in purpose-built theatres. One of the most famous acting troupes, Queen Elizabeth’s Men, was established in 1583, directly under the queen's patronage.

During Elizabeth’s reign, the famous playwright William Shakespeare began writing his works, many of which explored themes related to English history. His plays often supported the monarchy and the Tudor dynasty. For instance, in his play Richard III, Shakespeare portrayed Richard, the last king of the Plantagenet dynasty, as a villainous and deformed figure. Richard’s defeat by Elizabeth’s grandfather, Henry VII, was represented in this way, reinforcing the legitimacy of the Tudor reign.

The growth of theatre in England was not confined to private performances for the wealthy elite; purpose-built theatres with tiered seating were constructed, making plays accessible to people from all walks of life. Prices for theatre tickets were varied, allowing individuals from different social ranks to attend performances. This democratization of the theatre made it a popular form of entertainment for both the upper and lower classes. Noble patrons, including those who protected and supported acting companies, played an essential role in the development of the theatre during this period.

Royal Progresses and Entertainment

Each year, Queen Elizabeth embarked on royal progresses, where she would travel through the country, staying at the homes of her wealthy noble subjects. These royal tours encouraged nobles to build grand, stately homes and to organise lavish entertainments for the queen. These events were designed to impress the monarch and secure the favour of the crown. The queen’s visits were not only important for maintaining political relations with the nobility but also served as a means of promoting cultural activities and showcasing the splendour of the court.

Opposition to the Theatre

While the theatre enjoyed widespread popularity, not everyone approved of this new cultural trend. Puritans, who held strict religious views, were particularly vocal in their opposition to theatres. They considered theatre to be the work of the devil, associating it with immorality and the spread of lewd ideas. The Puritans believed that the theatre encouraged poor moral behaviour, particularly through the portrayal of sinful or inappropriate content. Furthermore, they linked the theatre to the Romans, who had historically persecuted Christians. For these reasons, the Puritans condemned the theatre as a dangerous influence on society.

The authorities also expressed concerns about theatre and public performances. In 1572, an act was passed that aimed to regulate actors and their performances. The law stated: "All common players…who wander about and have not a license shall be taken, adjudged, and deemed rogues, vagabonds, and sturdy beggars." This law reflected the authorities’ fear that unlicensed actors could stir social unrest or undermine public morality. The regulation of actors was part of a broader effort to maintain control over popular culture and to prevent any challenges to authority.

Pastimes and Social Divides

While the theatre was a common form of entertainment enjoyed by people from various social classes, the world of pastimes was divided along class lines. The upper classes, who had access to education and resources, were often involved in more intellectual pursuits and leisure activities that emphasised their status. With the advent of the printing press and the spread of education, the gentry and nobles were particularly drawn to intellectual and cultural activities, such as:

• Reading the classics – Works by ancient Greek and Roman authors became fashionable among the educated elite.
• Studying music – Many upper-class families valued music as an important part of their education and leisure.
• Hunting and hawking – These outdoor activities, which involved the training and use of birds of prey, were popular pastimes among the nobility, often serving as both entertainment and a display of status.

In contrast, most of the population, particularly the lower classes, had fewer opportunities for intellectual activities. However, they found ways to enjoy themselves through popular pastimes. These leisure activities were an important escape from the harsh realities of life for the poor, offering them a chance to socialise and enjoy a brief respite from their everyday struggles. Popular pastimes included:

• Drinking – Taverns and inns played a central role in social life, where people would gather to drink, chat, and relax.
• Gambling – Betting on events such as bearbaiting, cockfighting, and racing was a popular pastime, with large sums of money often involved.
• Tobacco smoking – Although it was a relatively new and expensive habit, tobacco smoking grew in popularity by the end of Elizabeth’s reign.
• Sporting events – The lower classes also engaged in physical activities such as wrestling, running races, and football. These activities provided entertainment and an outlet for physical energy.

Despite the differences in the types of pastimes enjoyed by the upper and lower classes, both groups found leisure activities to be an important part of their lives. The growing popularity of the theatre, coupled with the diverse range of other pastimes, reflected the vibrancy of Elizabethan society, where both high and low culture flourished in different ways.

Conclusion

The reign of Elizabeth I saw a remarkable flourishing of arts and culture, from the development of the theatre to the popularisation of various leisure activities. While the theatre became a defining feature of Elizabethan cultural life, it was not without its critics, particularly from religious groups like the Puritans. Nevertheless, the arts and pastimes provided the people of Elizabethan England with both entertainment and a means of expressing and preserving their cultural identities. These cultural developments not only shaped the period but also laid the foundations for the cultural landscape of later centuries.