University of Victoria (Canada)
Shakespeare's Life and Times: History and Politics
This section on the life and times of Shakespeare addresses the stories behind his 'histories'.
Other
Elizabethan.org: Life in Elizabethan England
A site with many links to information about all aspects of life in Elizabethan England, including food, games, religion, occupations, London, fashion, children, pastimes, names, education, and maps.
TES Global
Tes: Insights Into Shakespeare Image Bank and Notes
[Free Registration/Login Required] This is a slide show of artifacts from Shakespeare's world and notes for teachers which include information about Shakespeare's world that impacted his plays including the following: Information about...
TES Global
Tes: Teaching Shakespeare: Shakespeare Introduction: Complete Lesson
[Free Registration/Login Required] This is a comprehensive slideshow lesson of life in Elizabethan England and Shakespeare's life and works. It includes the ranking of the English Court, Shakespeare's family tree, Shakespeare's life, a...
TES Global
Tes: Introduction to Shakespeare: Powerpoint Lesson!
[Free Registration/Login Required] This is a collection of activities and slide shows to learn about Shakespeare's life and works, Elizabethan England, and the Elizabethan Theatre. The last activity is a quiz or assessment piece.
TES Global
Tes: Teaching Shakespeare: Context
[Free Registration/Login Required] Use these resources including historical objects and background information to learn what living in Shakespeare's time was like and how it shaped his works.
BBC
Bbc History: British History: Tudors: Poverty in Elizabethan England
Learn about economic disparity and poverty in Elizabeth's England. Archived.
The Newberry Library
Newberry Library: Marriage and Family in Shakespeare's England
Learning modules explores the concepts of marriage and family in Shakespeare's England, 16th-18th Centuries. Students examine Shakespeare's work and the work of others and gain a sense of familial roles, obligations and how family was...
BBC
Bbc: Burgh Life in Mary's Time
This interactive game leads students through the Royal Burgh of Stirling, Scotland. The students search the burgh for four lost items in an effort to gain entrance to a banquet given by Mary Queen of Scots. There is a non-flash version...
Ibis Communications
Eye Witness to History: Crime and Punishment in Elizabethan England
This article provides a contemporary description of crime and punishment in Shakespeare's time.
TES Global
Tes: Teaching History With 100 Objects a Jewel of Elizabeth I
[Free Registration/Login Required] This is a collection of images of a jewel of Elizabeth I which depicts the head of the queen surrounded by roses; the back of the pendant features a large phoenix. Teaching ideas and background...
TES Global
Tes: Shakespeare's World: Image Bank
[Free Registration/Login Required] This is a collection of artwork and objects from the British Museum which represents life in Shakespeare's world.
BBC
Bbc: Ks3 Bitesize: Beliefs and Superstitions
Looks at some of the superstitions that were common in Shakespeare's time.
Britain Express
Britain Express: History: Tudor: Elizabethan Life
This site contains small paragraphs with information about different aspects of Elizabethan life.
Other
Elizabeth I: Elizabethan Food
After reading about food during the Elizabethan era, decide if you would have wanted to be poor or rich. Read about the different new foods that were introduced during this time as well.
Other
Ecp: Overview of an Elizabethan Outfit
Fascinating outline of the multiple steps it took for a Elizabethan woman to dress for court. Details the time and pain required to be in fashion. Includes illustrative pictures.
British Library
British Library: Discovering Literature: Elizabethan England
Exploration and trade, crime and punishment, clothing and social structure: explore key aspects of Elizabethan life, culture, and society.
British Library
British Library: Discovering Literature: Shakespeare's Life and World
From the open-air Globe to the candlelit Blackfriars; from the countryside to the city; discover the world that shaped Shakespeare's work and influenced his legacy.
Other
St. Ives Historical Society: Superstitions of the Elizabethan Era [Pdf]
Describes some superstitions that people had during Elizabethan times.
Other
Elizabethan England Life: Elizabethan Superstitions
Lists common superstitions in Elizabethan England.
Other
Elizabethan England Life: Different Kinds of Elizabethan Era Torture
Describes some of the ways torture was used in Elizabethan England.
Other
Elizabethan England Life: The Elegance in Every Elizabethan England Food
Describes some of the Elizabethan practices in how they prepared and presented their food, particularly among the wealthy classes.
Other
Elizabethan England Life: Elizabethan Era Foods and Recipes
Describes and lists some of the features common to Elizabethan era food habits and cooking methods.