How did people do the basics: dress, eat, furnish their homes?
There were various types of food in London between 1500 and 1700 which included meat, vegetables like turnips and clovers, tea, bread, cheese and gruel, which constituted of boiled oatmeal and butter. In this period, up to six individuals would sleep in a single bed, while in some cases, a bed would not even be available. Furthermore, sisters, cousins, aunts and uncles would share a single room. The houses were made of thatched roofs and did not have any wood on the surface of the house. The dress code constituted of wigs, gowns, aprons, lace caps and skirts which were closed.
How did the lifestyle of the wealth differ from that of others?
The houses of the wealthy were made of slate floors and had used a provision for a fireplace in the kitchen and sometimes in the main bedroom. The richest individuals in society during these periodate vegetables and rarely took meat. The presence of bacon in an individual’s house was also a symbol of wealth. In addition, the rich had plates which were made of pewter while the poor had plates which were made of wood. Furthermore, the rich were referred to as nobles while the poor were called the commoners, and they paid taxes while the nobles were exempted from tax payments.
How did the lifestyle of men differ from that of women?
The duties of the women in the 16th century were cooking, ascertaining the children’s education, making clothes, taking care of livestock and cleaning of the house. Men were involved in the political scene of their specific villages, casual labour and making of farming tools and equipment. The women underwent a lot of difficulties because of multiple pregnancies as it was assumed that their role was to give birth.
How did the lifestyle of adults differ from that of children?
The children were more vulnerable to disease outbreaks as compared to adults. More so, during this period, the outbreak of various diseases such as the plague claimed the lives of very many infants and children. The dress code for the children was also different from that of the adults since, in most cases, they wore gowns which had some strips on the shoulder. The skirts of the young girls were different from those of women because the girls’ skirts were not split on the front side.
How did new patterns of trade affect the lifestyle of Londoners?
The lifestyle of the inhabitants of London was affected by the new trade patterns by leading to the availability of more food supplies, increased workforce, high rates of inflation due to decrease in wages and increased inequality between the landowners and other individuals who were landless.
How did new technologies affect the lifestyle of Londoners?
New technology has improved the sanitation facilities available in London due to the invention of the flush toilet. Secondly, education in London improved due to several inventions such as the microscope, the pencil and the water thermometer. In addition, the economy was also greatly improved as there were more employment opportunities for the Londoners.
How did cultural changes affect the lifestyle of Londoners?
The changes in culture affected the lifestyle of Londoners since the medieval walls became a thing of the past as civilization took the course. Furthermore, children who were 7 years stopped being regarded as adults, and thus they were not given the duties of an adult. Parents invested more time in the emotional wellbeing of their children by being affectionate. The trend of multiple pregnancies became a thing of the past, as society became enlightened on family structure and proper planning. Hence, the aspects of cultural change are what transformed life in London.