How did ordinary Englishmen live and work, what did they eat, what did they use for medical treatment, what did they travel in, what did they wear, and how did they entertain themselves many years ago? A renowned British historian embarks on a journey through a dramatic era, spanning the period from the coronation of Henry VII to the death of Elizabeth I. Drawing on both reliable documentary sources and his own experience reconstructing historical conditions, the author explores numerous aspects of everyday life in the 16th century—from hygiene procedures to dietary habits, from occupations involving heavy physical labor to issues of education and upbringing, and much more. Illustrated with numerous black-and-white and color illustrations, the book presents a vibrant collection of fascinating customs, habits, and details of private English life during the Tudor period.
'Of course, I'm interested in other historical periods, but my heart truly belongs to the middle of Elizabeth I's reign. On the one hand, I admire the 'otherness' of Tudor thinking, on the other, I'm fascinated by its echoes that have permeated modern life... It was a complex time, marked by several significant turning points in British history. My book is the result of an effort to understand the lives, thoughts, and concerns of contemporaries of this era.' (Ruth Goodman)