Leisure and the English Monarchy
Politics and Leisure: The Status of the Monarch
Leisure activities included large feasts, and carnivals particularly for the monarchy. These events were particularly executed for the sole purpose of entertaining those whom one wanted to impress along with whom one wanted to do business with. This was particularly emphasized by Queen Elizabeth I. "Entertainments could address immediate political issues solicit civic funds, solve political issues, or plead for religious tolerance." Leisurely activities almost always had a hidden meaning.
Leisure activities included large feasts, and carnivals particularly for the monarchy. These events were particularly executed for the sole purpose of entertaining those whom one wanted to impress along with whom one wanted to do business with. This was particularly emphasized by Queen Elizabeth I. "Entertainments could address immediate political issues solicit civic funds, solve political issues, or plead for religious tolerance." Leisurely activities almost always had a hidden meaning.
Monarchy and Plays
Plays were an important part of entertainment for the monarchy. The two main monarchs of the time period, Queen Elizabeth I and King James I, were supporters of plays. Elizabeth often hired acting troupes to come perform at her palace. It was conjectured that she also had a close relationship with Shakespeare and that characters in his plays such as "A Midsummer Night's Dream" were based on her. Before the creation of the globe theatre, Shakespeare would send actors to the castles upon request. Neither the Queen nor the King ever ventured to the theatre themselves, first to maintain hygiene, and second, to stay royal and afar. It is known that Elizabeth enjoyed "Henry IV" the most, as she saw it more than once. It was also known that she translated plays herself from their original Greek to English just for entertainment.
Plays were an important part of entertainment for the monarchy. The two main monarchs of the time period, Queen Elizabeth I and King James I, were supporters of plays. Elizabeth often hired acting troupes to come perform at her palace. It was conjectured that she also had a close relationship with Shakespeare and that characters in his plays such as "A Midsummer Night's Dream" were based on her. Before the creation of the globe theatre, Shakespeare would send actors to the castles upon request. Neither the Queen nor the King ever ventured to the theatre themselves, first to maintain hygiene, and second, to stay royal and afar. It is known that Elizabeth enjoyed "Henry IV" the most, as she saw it more than once. It was also known that she translated plays herself from their original Greek to English just for entertainment.
Monarchy and Sports
Sports were another aspect that was generally reserved for the higher class, particularly elite sports. Tennis was an example of one of these sports. It was used as a political ploy particularly between Henry VIII and the Princes of Orange. The game was source of entertainment, but also a display of power. Another game that was popular with Queen Elizabeth I was bear-baiting. Beer-baiting was a spectator sport where bears would be placed in a "bear ring" where they would be made to fight with dogs. This was a common event for after-dinner entertainment. This was another example of a way to show power. Other common games which were often played, but with less stakes involved, were early forms of checkers and chess. These games were particular favorites of Queen Elizabeth.
Sports were another aspect that was generally reserved for the higher class, particularly elite sports. Tennis was an example of one of these sports. It was used as a political ploy particularly between Henry VIII and the Princes of Orange. The game was source of entertainment, but also a display of power. Another game that was popular with Queen Elizabeth I was bear-baiting. Beer-baiting was a spectator sport where bears would be placed in a "bear ring" where they would be made to fight with dogs. This was a common event for after-dinner entertainment. This was another example of a way to show power. Other common games which were often played, but with less stakes involved, were early forms of checkers and chess. These games were particular favorites of Queen Elizabeth.
Sitting for Portraits
Monarchs often sat for portraits during their leisure time. The stronger they were portrayed in the portrait, the more important they became to the public. This was important for Queen Elizabeth during the early years of her reign, and during the tense years dealing with the Spanish Armada. Portrait-sitting was not always the most fun, but it was something to do. " The Ditchley Portrait is one of the most famous portraits of Elizabeth. In this portrait, she is standing on an image of the world, literally, her kingdom beneath her feet, and she is surrounded by the natural elements, symbolizing her power and stature in society. She is illustrated more as a symbol of power than as a real person, adding to the effectiveness of the image on society.