Further Developments in the Society and the Economy of Wales and England (1554-1570)

Society and Culture

The era represented a significant intellectual and cultural shift known as The Renaissance. Artists, thinkers and writers like Shakespeare started to emerge, marking the beginning of the English Renaissance.
Despite this cultural shift, the society was still based around a rigid structure. The nobility were losing power to the newer, successful business and land-owning class.
There was increasing tension between the old aristocracy and the new economic powers, leading to political instability and possibly affecting economic growth.
The Welsh language, culture and society remained distinct, though increasingly under English control through the Act of Union.

Economic Development

England and Wales experienced significant economic changes with the beginning of the end of the feudal system. The increasing use of cash, improved farming methods and growth of merchant class led to the rise of capitalism.
The expansion of industries such as wool and cloth production led to urbanisation and growth of the merchant class.
However, economic disparities and inflation were significant problems. The debasement of coins during Henry VIII and Edward VI’s rule led to inflation. Mary I sought to solve these problems by returning to real silver currency, but these changes had mixed success.
Despite some progress in commerce and industry, agriculture remained the mainstay with about 85% of the population involved directly or indirectly in farming.

Religious Changes

A defining feature of this period was the religious turmoil and changes, especially under the reigns of Mary I and Elizabeth I.
Mary I, a devout Catholic, tried to reverse the Protestant reforms of her predecessors. The infamous Marian Persecutions resulted in around 300 Protestants being burned at the stake, leading to widespread fear and discontent.
When Elizabeth I succeeded Mary, she re-established Protestantism as the state religion. However, her religious policy was characterised by compromise and moderation, often termed as the Elizabethan Religious Settlement.
In Wales, despite the official religious changes linked to the English monarchy, Catholicism remained strong especially in the north and west.

Political Developments

The period saw some political turmoil as power moved from Mary I, who attempted to strengthen her rule through her Catholic faith and marriage to Philip II of Spain, to Elizabeth I whose rule marked the beginning of the Elizabethan Era.
Elizabeth I’s reign was marked by more stability and less religious conflict, though her decision to remain unmarried resulted in succession issues and potential political instability.
Wales was officially incorporated into England under the Act of Union in 1536 and 1543, utterly transforming the Welsh political landscape and limiting Welsh political autonomy.