Key Stage 3 at www.johndclare.net

1 Bringing Up Baby

Elizabeth Josceline, The Mother's Legacy to her Unborn Child (1622) – advice written when she was expecting her first baby, in case she died in childbirth.

I would allow no swearing, or speaking of gossip in this home... . She must be called by her Christian name, without 'Miss' or any other title, so that she learns proper respect.

I would have her taught the Bible, housewifery, writing and good works. Other learning a woman needs not.

I pray God give her a wise and religious heart.

2 Good Manners

From Hugh Rhodes, School of Good Manners (1570) .

Fathers ... cause your children to use fair and gentle speech ... with respect and politeness to their elders... .

Don't dress your children in rich clothing ... neither let your children go where they want, but know where they go ... and when you hear them swear or curse, lie or fight, you shall sharply tell them off... .

Children ... don't speak with your mouth full, nor scratch your head when you are eating, nor spit on the table.

3 An Elizabethan School

A 16th century woodcut of a schoolroom . How does it compare with your school today!

4 A Lady talks to her daughters

This playlet comes from Peter Erondell, The French Garden (c.1605), a book of plays written to teach pupils new words.

Daughters I beseech you, Mother, pray to God to bless me, and give me your blessing, if it pleaseth you.

Lady I pray the strong Almightie God to blesse you .. . . Now Fleurimonde, have you prayed to God today?

Fleurimonde Yes forsooth, Mother.

Lady Fleurimonde, showe me your worke: is this your Needle-worke? Me thinketh that it is somewhat wrong: I espie a fault in it, though the edge is reasonably well-made. Is this your lace-worke? See how she frowns! If I begin with you I will make you stop frowning: and you Charlotte, where is your worke? Are your tapestry cushens ended?

Charlotte I have only one cushen to do, but I lack silk, I know not what is become of the canvas, all my gold and silver is finished...

Lady Ask the steward for some. At what hours do your Masters come?

Charlotte Our dancing Master commeth about nine a clocke, our singing Master at tenne: he that teacheth us on the Lute at four a clocke in the after noone: and our French Master commeth between seven and eight a clocke in the morning.

Lady It is then time to go study your lessons... . Now go in God's name – I goe to the Nurses' chamber, to see your brothers.

5 Children's Games

A painting by the Flemish artist Pieter Brueghel (1525-69)


Upbringing
Introduction The sources on these two pages will give you some information about how Tudor and Stuart parents brought up their children. Learning today; the children learn by play in a colourful, nurturing environment. The teachers act as facilitators. Strict rules prevent children being hit or bullied. After you have studied this webpage, answer the question sheet by clicking on the 'Time to Work' icon at the top of the page.	Links: The following websites will help you research further: Children's Lives: • Children in Tudor times • Mr Bryant's Blog • Elizabethan education

1 Bringing Up Baby Elizabeth Josceline, The Mother's Legacy to her Unborn Child (1622) – advice written when she was expecting her first baby, in case she died in childbirth. I would allow no swearing, or speaking of gossip in this home... . She must be called by her Christian name, without 'Miss' or any other title, so that she learns proper respect. I would have her taught the Bible, housewifery, writing and good works. Other learning a woman needs not. I pray God give her a wise and religious heart.

2 Good Manners From Hugh Rhodes, School of Good Manners (1570) . Fathers ... cause your children to use fair and gentle speech ... with respect and politeness to their elders... . Don't dress your children in rich clothing ... neither let your children go where they want, but know where they go ... and when you hear them swear or curse, lie or fight, you shall sharply tell them off... . Children ... don't speak with your mouth full, nor scratch your head when you are eating, nor spit on the table.

3 An Elizabethan School A 16th century woodcut of a schoolroom . How does it compare with your school today!

4 A Lady talks to her daughters This playlet comes from Peter Erondell, The French Garden (c.1605), a book of plays written to teach pupils new words. Daughters I beseech you, Mother, pray to God to bless me, and give me your blessing, if it pleaseth you. Lady I pray the strong Almightie God to blesse you .. . . Now Fleurimonde, have you prayed to God today? Fleurimonde Yes forsooth, Mother. Lady Fleurimonde, showe me your worke: is this your Needle-worke? Me thinketh that it is somewhat wrong: I espie a fault in it, though the edge is reasonably well-made. Is this your lace-worke? See how she frowns! If I begin with you I will make you stop frowning: and you Charlotte, where is your worke? Are your tapestry cushens ended? Charlotte I have only one cushen to do, but I lack silk, I know not what is become of the canvas, all my gold and silver is finished... Lady Ask the steward for some. At what hours do your Masters come? Charlotte Our dancing Master commeth about nine a clocke, our singing Master at tenne: he that teacheth us on the Lute at four a clocke in the after noone: and our French Master commeth between seven and eight a clocke in the morning. Lady It is then time to go study your lessons... . Now go in God's name – I goe to the Nurses' chamber, to see your brothers.

5 Children's Games A painting by the Flemish artist Pieter Brueghel (1525-69)

Upbringing