Elizabethan England - The Complete Series (7 lessons)

Children begin by finding out about the life and reign of Queen Elizabeth I. Next, they look at the expansion of England’s exploration and trade with the rest of the world, before finding out about the attack of the Spanish Armada, and the numerous outbreaks of the bubonic plague. Children then learn about what daily life was like for both rich and poor Elizabethans, including the leisure activities they were likely to engage in depending on their class. Finally, by reflecting on their learning, they discuss the main achievements of the era, and the effect they had on England and its people.

Don't forget to have a look at our collection of Tudor resources.

Who was the last Tudor monarch? In this first lesson, children will learn about the life of Elizabeth I, and how she came to the throne. They will find out about the unrest in the country at the time due to religious differences, and how Elizabeth helped to calm this situation. Children also learn about Elizabeth’s fateful relationship with her cousin, Mary, Queen of Scots. In their independent activities, children use sources to deduce and infer information about the appearance and character of the queen. Alternatively, they write a letter to Elizabeth as Mary, or prepare an imaginary conversation between the two queens. 

Why do we explore our world today? Children begin by looking at some of the reasons for exploration in the Elizabethan era, and compare any similarities with modern-day reasons. They are then introduced to Francis Drake. As a class, they find out how he successfully navigated the world, and discuss the journey’s high and low points. Using this knowledge, children write diary entries as Drake at different stages of the journey. Alternatively, they will research the life of a typical Elizabethan sailor, and create short role-plays where they are interviewed about their job.

Why were Spain and England enemies? In this lesson, children learn about the tensions between these two countries during the Elizabethan era, and the events that led up to King Philip II’s decision to invade England. As a class, they will find out about the attack and defeat of the Spanish Armada. In their independent activities, children put the main events in chronological order and mark important locations on a map. Alternatively, they work in small groups to create a modern day ‘talk show’ where the key characters in the events are questioned about the causes, events and outcomes of the attack.

What was the plague? In this lesson, children learn about the bubonic plague, and how multiple outbreaks of the disease killed a large percentage of the population of England over the years. They explore the believed and actual causes of the plague, as well as what Elizabethans thought could prevent or cure it. Children are encouraged to think about what life must have been like during, and after, an outbreak of the disease.

What was everyday life like in Elizabethan England? Children will find out how life was different for the rich and the poor by comparing aspects such as education, employment, food, health and medicine, and crime and punishment. In their independent activities, children are given the time and resources to research and highlight these differences further. The alternative activity allows them to explore the lives of the rich and poor through the use of role-play.

What did the Elizabethans do for fun? In this lesson, children find out about the wide range of leisure activities for both the rich and poor in the Elizabethan era, and are encouraged to share their opinions on these activities. In their independent work, children use this knowledge to suggest appropriate activities for different Elizabethans. Or, in the alternative activity, children find out more about what a trip to an Elizabethan theatre was like, and use hot-seating to explore the viewpoints of the different audience members, as well as the actors.

Are we justified in calling the Elizabethan era a ‘golden age’? In this final lesson, children use their knowledge of Elizabethan England from the previous lessons to discuss the numerous achievements of Queen Elizabeth during her reign. In their independent activities, they are encouraged to share and explain their opinions of the major events during this era, and the effect they had on the country and its people. Alternatively, children can use their knowledge to write an obituary about Queen Elizabeth, detailing her life and achievements.