Other
Queen Elizabeth I: Semper Eadem Always the Same
Read about Queen Elizabeth I's (1533-1603) tumultuous life, examine portraits of the time period and read primary source documents.
TES Global
Tes: Teaching Shakespeare: Context
[Free Registration/Login Required] Use these resources including historical objects and background information to learn what living in Shakespeare's time was like and how it shaped his works.
University of Victoria (Canada)
Shakespeare's Life and Times: History and Politics
This section on the life and times of Shakespeare addresses the stories behind his 'histories'.
TES Global
Tes: Insights Into Shakespeare Image Bank and Notes
[Free Registration/Login Required] This is a slide show of artifacts from Shakespeare's world and notes for teachers which include information about Shakespeare's world that impacted his plays including the following: Information about...
Curated OER
Luminarium: Elizabethan Playhouses
Author provides a comprehensive description of theaters and public playhouses popular in England in the 16th century. Hyperlinks are provided for the Rose, the Fortune, the Swan, and The Second Blackfriars Playhouse designed by James...
Other
Queen Elizabeth 1: Europe in the Age of Elizabeth
A brief synopsis of England's relationship with Spain is included in this overview of Queen Elizabeth's dealings with the rest of Europe.
Other
Shakespeare Is Elementary!
Designed as a resource for teaching Shakespeare to elementary students, this site includes student work, ideas for teachers, a PowerPoint of Shakespeare's life, some Shakespeare Web site links and recommended plays.
BBC
Bbc Scotland: Mary Queen of Scots
Explore key events from the life of Mary Queen of Scots. There are many easy to use interactive exercises to help test your knowledge of the information you have just read. Great biographical overview, a timeline, and links to...
Luminarium
Luminarium: Elizabeth I (1533 1603)
Part of a larger site on Renaissance literature, this page contains quotes, Elizabeth's writings and speeches, a great biography, essays, articles, images, and more. Very helpful.
Royal Shakespeare Company
Royal Shakespeare Company: William Shakespeare's Life and Times
Extensive information about William Shakespeare. Includes links to plays and productions, performance history, life and times, events and workshops, pictures and more.
PBS
Pbs: Shakespeare's London
Discover London as it was during the time of Shakespeare, a small world, but very ethnically mixed. This article discusses the "uneasy mix of cultures" found in the city around 1600.
BBC
Bbc: Ks3 Bitesize: Beliefs and Superstitions
Looks at some of the superstitions that were common in Shakespeare's time.
BBC
Bbc: Burgh Life in Mary's Time
This interactive game leads students through the Royal Burgh of Stirling, Scotland. The students search the burgh for four lost items in an effort to gain entrance to a banquet given by Mary Queen of Scots. There is a non-flash version...
TES Global
Tes: Shakespeare's World: Image Bank
[Free Registration/Login Required] This is a collection of artwork and objects from the British Museum which represents life in Shakespeare's world.
BBC
Bbc: Elizabeth's Spy Network
An article about the plots around Elizabeth I and her sophisticated spy ring. Archived.
Read Works
Read Works: Who's That Boy Boy Actors and Other Things on Shakespearean Stage
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about all male actors on the Shakespearian stage. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Other
History on the Net: Elizabeth I (Lesson Plan)
This lesson plan teaches some basic facts about Elizabeth I's early life and provides information about her painted portraits.
TES Global
Tes: Teaching Shakespeare: Context Shakespeare's World
[Free Registration/Login Required] Learn about Tudor society, fashion, art and theatre in Shakespeare's world using this collection of images, charts, and films.
Other
Spanish Conquistadors
Learn about the history and motives of the famous Spanish Conquistadors in the New World. Features biographies, pictures, and timelines about the life of the famous European Explorers.
Other
National Portrait Gallery: Artists a to Z: Nicholas Hilliard
Access the museum's collection of portraits by the sixteenth-century goldsmith and painter Nicholas Hilliard. Find miniature portraits of many well-known figures from the Tudor and Stuart periods in British history, including Elizabeth,...
Curated OER
Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Clip Art Etc: Bishop John Jewel
John Jewel (May 24, 1522 - September 23, 1571), was an English bishop of Salisbury. Under Elizabeth's succession he returned to England, and made earnest efforts to secure what would now be called a low-church settlement of religion; he...