Key Question No. 2

Usually the wealthy would construct 

their homes with the most expensive of materials as a way of flaunting their money. Poorer households were small and humble as that was all their money could afford them, although these houses could be just as strong and durable as the wealthy homes. The amount of money you had definitely impacted the size and style of your residence in the Elizabethan Era.

Possibly the most obvious difference between lower and upper class houses were their size. Lower class houses were built for practicality. They were small in size which allowed residents to heat the house faster and cook meals quickly. Upper class homes were built to impress. These houses were very large and grand. The floor plans were often in the shape of an ‘E’, which wasn’t at all practical, but allowed the owners to flaunt the stone wall exterior and tall, wide windows.

There were many luxuries to living in a wealthy Elizabethan house, one being the addition of a water closet in the house, or more commonly referred to as a ‘house of easement’. Lower class homes couldn’t afford indoor toilets, so they had a privy built out in the garden.

Poorer households were very humble in their architecture. They had simple layouts and structures, built with the cheapest of materials as the residents couldn’t afford anything more.

There was very limited space in lower class homes, often meaning an entire family would have to sleep in one room. In comparison, the rich would have games rooms, libraries, galleries, multiple sitting rooms, and numerous spare bedrooms.

Upper class houses featured galleries, grand staircases, spacious gardens, numerous sleeping chambers and workspaces, all painted gold and filled with expensive furnishings. It was not unusual for there to be separate sitting rooms for each gender. Sometimes there were gender designated areas of the house. For example while the women were to spend most of their time in the west wing of the house, the men would occupy the east wing.

Upper class establishments were always decorated with expensive art, woven rugs and arguably useless objects which all had the purpose of showcasing the riches of the owners. Poor households could afford no such luxury.

Wealthy homes were far better insulated than lower class residences. The ceilings would be plastered, the walls would be thicker and they would have multiple fireplaces to create warmth throughout the establishment. Poorer households would often have leakings from the roof and cracks in the walls.

There was a tremendous difference between the land of the upper and lower classes. Wealthy homes would have large, spacious gardens with stone courtyards, while poorer homes had barely any outdoor space.