Pearson Edexcel · A-Level · History
Course version: 9HI0 · Version from Sept 2015
The changing structure of society: the increase in population; the impact…
Full specification wording
Economic, social and cultural change, 1509–88: The changing structure of society: the increase in population; the impact of the closure of the monasteries; the spread of enclosure and its effects on the rural population; the impact of growing urbanisation; the growing professional classes.
The changing structure of society was driven by an increase in population from about 2.5 million in 1509 to around 3.8 to 3.9 million by 1588, increasing demand for food and land.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 9HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 2 of 3
- 3 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
The changing structure of society was driven by an increase in population from about 2.5 million in 1509 to around 3.8 to 3.9 million by 1588, increasing demand for food and land. The impact of the closure of the monasteries (1536–40) transferred vast estates to the Crown and lay owners, removing monastic charity. The spread of enclosure, often for sheep pasture, displaced labourers, though its effects on the rural population varied by region. The impact of growing urbanisation, especially in London (growing from perhaps 50,000 to 200,000), created new social pressures and economic opportunities. Concurrently, the growing professional classes—lawyers, merchants, and government officials—expanded significantly, shifting the traditional social hierarchy and increasing social mobility.
What earns the marks
- Explains how the increase in population increased demand for food and land, leading to inflation and pressure on wages.
- Describes the impact of the closure of the monasteries: loss of charity, education and employment, and the transfer of land to the gentry.
- Analyses the spread of enclosure and its effects on the rural population, including displacement and changes in farming practices.
- Assesses the impact of growing urbanisation, particularly in London, on society, poverty, and the economy.
- Evaluates the growing professional classes and their role in changing the social structure and governance.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Assuming enclosure was a single event.
Put it right: Note it was a gradual process with regional variation affecting the rural population differently.
Overstating the immediate impact of the closure of the monasteries on the poor.
Put it right: Recognise that some monastic charity continued under new owners.
Confusing urbanisation with industrialisation.
Put it right: Focus on the growth of towns and cities and the expansion of the professional classes in this period.
Exam tips
- Use specific examples such as the closure of Glastonbury Abbey or the enclosure riots of 1549 to illustrate social changes.
- Link the increase in population to economic factors like inflation, wage decline, and growing urbanisation.
Try the lesson
The start of the Economic, social and cultural change, 1509–88: The changing structure of society: the increase in population; the impact of the closure of the monasteries; the spread of enclosure and its effects on the rural population; the impact of growing urbanisation; the growing professional classes. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which group of people in Tudor England is best described as members of a 'professional class' that grew during the sixteenth century?
Listen
The changing structure of society was driven by an increase in population from about 2.5 million in 1509 to around 3.8 to 3.9 million by 1588, increasing demand for food and land. The impact of the closure of the monasteries (1536–40) transferred vast estates to the Crown and lay owners, removing monastic charity. The spread of enclosure, often for sheep pasture, displaced labourers, though its effects on the rural population varied by region. The impact of growing urbanisation, especially in London (growing from perhaps 50,000 to 200,000), created new social pressures and economic opportunities. Concurrently, the growing professional classes—lawyers, merchants, and government officials—expanded significantly, shifting the traditional social hierarchy and increasing social mobility. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Explains how the increase in population increased demand for food and land, leading to inflation and pressure on wages. Describes the impact of the closure of the monasteries: loss of charity, education and employment, and the transfer of land to the gentry. Analyses the spread of enclosure and its effects on the rural population, including displacement and changes in farming practices. Assesses the impact of growing urbanisation, particularly in London, on society, poverty, and the economy. A common slip: Assuming enclosure was a single event. Instead, Note it was a gradual process with regional variation affecting the rural population differently. Exam tip: Use specific examples such as the closure of Glastonbury Abbey or the enclosure riots of 1549 to illustrate social changes.
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Demographic change and population growth
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Land ownership, enclosure, and rural effects
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Urbanisation and the rise of the professional classes
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Demographic change and population growth
- An increase in population from about 2.5 million in 1509 to around 3.8 to 3.9 million by 1588, increasing demand for food and land.
- Land ownership, enclosure, and rural effects
- The spread of enclosure, often for sheep pasture, displaced labourers, though its effects on the rural population varied by region.
- Urbanisation and the rise of the professional classes
- Growing urbanisation, especially in London, created new social pressures and economic opportunities, while lawyers, merchants and government officials expanded significantly.
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