The Extent of Social and Economic Change in the Sixteenth Century

Population Growth and Urbanisation

A significant population increase occurred in the 16th century, leading to increased strain on resources and intensified socio-economic issues.
Due to an agricultural surplus, there was a trend of migration from rural to urban areas leading to the expansion of urban centres and the growth of towns like Manchester and Liverpool.
Urbanisation led to job specialisation in industries like textile manufacturing and trade, triggering the emergence of a distinct middle class.

The enclosure movement fundamentally altered rural life and the agricultural economy. It created larger, more efficient farming units but caused displacement of small farmers.
Wool production became a major part of the economy due to a high demand both domestically and internationally, leading to shifts in land usage.
The traditional communal agriculture began to be replaced by more profitable, privately controlled agriculture causing social unrest amongst those who lost common grazing rights.

England’s economy started evolving from primarily agricultural to one where trade and merchant activities significantly contributed to the national income.
The Chartered companies like Muscovy Company and East India Company were established to carry out exploration, trade and colonisation.
The defeat of Spanish Armada in 1588 marked the beginning of England’s venture into global trade and created a favourable environment for British merchants.
Countries like Spain and Portugal led the way for overseas exploration leading to globalisation of trade, bringing wealth and new goods into England.

The nobility and gentry class expanded during this period, in part due to the profits from the wool trade and an internationalised economy.
The middle class grew due to expanding trade and towns, with increased numbers of yeomen, merchants, and professionals.
There was increased social mobility during this period, although mainly limited to men. Some merchants and professionals transitioned from lower classes to the gentry.
Despite some upward mobility, the pauper class grew significantly due to population increase and enclosure movement, leading to widespread discontent and rebellions.

Religious changes during this period led to investment in charitable causes, such as the establishment of hospitals and schools by the Church and the gentry.
Some monastic lands that were seized during the Dissolution of the Monasteries by Henry VIII were used for charitable enterprises, though others were sold to members of the nobility and gentry.