Noble
History: controlled a majority of the wealth and power as they were the highest status class. Just below the
monarch
Jobs/Role: owned property, money and influence that they inherited from their families. Most of them were
members of the House of Lords = peers
Societal Status: highest social class (just below the monarch but above the gentry)
Wealth: Had a lot of wealth passed down for generations. Their wealth declined as inflation happened but
they still had high spending for balls etc.
15% controlled by nobility
Did have a lot of wealth through - Marquis of Newcastle donated £900,000 to royalist cause. Whilst the average labourer earns
£10 a year.
Influence: Has influence as peers. However, the gentry could have more money and influence than them. Their influence
declined after the Elizabethan era. Continued to wield power despite inflation.
Numbers/percentage of population: 2% of population were nobility and gentry.
Gentry
History: Oliver Cromwell, John Pym, George Monck were all members of the gentry
Jobs/Role: Usually took up roles in Privy Council, Parliament, Law (JPs, Constables and Judges) - Higher
Gentry had significant roles in politics which meant the gentry became more influential
Societal Status: They were just below the nobility but they could have more influence due to their political
roles.
Wealth: Variation in wealth: lesser owned estates and manors. The most rich and influential could control politics of the entire
country.
1/2 of wealth and property belonged to the gentry
Influence: During the Civil War, the gentry became more influential due to Charles turning parliament to help fight the Scots
(growing importance in the Stuart Period - slightly higher population increase than rest of population)
Increased influence due to abolition of House of Lords in 1649, parliament gained more of a role. The nobility also lost
wealth and influence which increased their power, wealth and influence.
Numbers/percentage of population: 15,000 gentry - 3000 higher and 12000 lesser
Merchant
History: previously did not have much power or wealth. They were looked down on by the landed elite. As
London and major towns grew so did the merchant population. Many were sons of landowners or married
into landowner families.
Jobs/Role: Trade business careers (international trade - Empire). Enter public office as aldermen/mayor.
Societal Status: connections with the gentry, not same level of respect as the landed elite - unable to get
scholarly education (had not time and was always working). Purchased earldoms - part of aristocracy if very
wealthy
Wealth: Small but extremely wealthy class developed due to urbanisation. Many could accumulate enough wealth as the gentry
(purchased earldoms). Valued money over status
Influence: received knighthoods for success and public service. They had less influence than gentry but became significant for
business and trade
Numbers/percentage of population: 1688 = 64,000 merchants (+30,000 since 1580), consumer boom after 1650, boom after
Navigation Acts 1651 and 1660.
History: controlled a majority of the wealth and power as they were the highest status class. Just below the
monarch
Jobs/Role: owned property, money and influence that they inherited from their families. Most of them were
members of the House of Lords = peers
Societal Status: highest social class (just below the monarch but above the gentry)
Wealth: Had a lot of wealth passed down for generations. Their wealth declined as inflation happened but
they still had high spending for balls etc.
15% controlled by nobility
Did have a lot of wealth through - Marquis of Newcastle donated £900,000 to royalist cause. Whilst the average labourer earns
£10 a year.
Influence: Has influence as peers. However, the gentry could have more money and influence than them. Their influence
declined after the Elizabethan era. Continued to wield power despite inflation.
Numbers/percentage of population: 2% of population were nobility and gentry.
Gentry
History: Oliver Cromwell, John Pym, George Monck were all members of the gentry
Jobs/Role: Usually took up roles in Privy Council, Parliament, Law (JPs, Constables and Judges) - Higher
Gentry had significant roles in politics which meant the gentry became more influential
Societal Status: They were just below the nobility but they could have more influence due to their political
roles.
Wealth: Variation in wealth: lesser owned estates and manors. The most rich and influential could control politics of the entire
country.
1/2 of wealth and property belonged to the gentry
Influence: During the Civil War, the gentry became more influential due to Charles turning parliament to help fight the Scots
(growing importance in the Stuart Period - slightly higher population increase than rest of population)
Increased influence due to abolition of House of Lords in 1649, parliament gained more of a role. The nobility also lost
wealth and influence which increased their power, wealth and influence.
Numbers/percentage of population: 15,000 gentry - 3000 higher and 12000 lesser
Merchant
History: previously did not have much power or wealth. They were looked down on by the landed elite. As
London and major towns grew so did the merchant population. Many were sons of landowners or married
into landowner families.
Jobs/Role: Trade business careers (international trade - Empire). Enter public office as aldermen/mayor.
Societal Status: connections with the gentry, not same level of respect as the landed elite - unable to get
scholarly education (had not time and was always working). Purchased earldoms - part of aristocracy if very
wealthy
Wealth: Small but extremely wealthy class developed due to urbanisation. Many could accumulate enough wealth as the gentry
(purchased earldoms). Valued money over status
Influence: received knighthoods for success and public service. They had less influence than gentry but became significant for
business and trade
Numbers/percentage of population: 1688 = 64,000 merchants (+30,000 since 1580), consumer boom after 1650, boom after
Navigation Acts 1651 and 1660.
