The British English Podcast S5/E3 - The Rise of England Explained: Elizabethan Era, Part 1
Sep 18, 2025
Dive into the vibrant Elizabethan era, where drama and danger shaped England's Golden Age. Discover the cultural and economic significance of this time, from the Globe Theatre to the rise of the landed gentry. Unpack the complexities of religious upheaval and Elizabeth's middle-way approach to the Church of England. Explore England's naval expansion and the privateers, alongside the darker beginnings of colonialism and the triangular slave trade. Join Charlie and Ben as they illuminate a pivotal moment in history.
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Elizabethan Rise To Power
- Elizabeth I's reign marks England's transformation into a leading European power through culture, economy and naval growth.
- Ben argues this era fused Renaissance ideas with expanding trade, theatre and state power.
Tomatoes At The Globe
- Ben imagines being in the Globe Theatre pits, throwing tomatoes at actors and joining the rowdy lower-class crowd.
- He likens that behaviour to a lively, participatory cultural experience of the era.
Succession Fueled Religious Upheaval
- Elizabeth's family background and succession created deep religious swings across reigns from Henry VIII to Mary to Elizabeth.
- These shifts set the stage for Elizabeth's delicate balancing of church and state.
