Buying, Selling and Owning Guitars in Elizabethan England - Professor Christopher Page

TL;DR

Guitars were a relatively new and exotic instrument in Tudor England, first appearing in the 1540s and 50s.

Transcript

ladies and gentlemen welcome to the second lecture in my series entitled for courtesan queen and gallant the guitar in England from Henry the eighth's to samuel peeps i've recognized many faces thank you very much for coming back so those of you who have come to a lecture of mine for the first time and wonder what you're getting yourselves into wel... Read More

Key Insights

• 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Guitars were introduced to Tudor England in the 1540s and 50s and became increasingly popular in the following decades.
• 🎸 The rarity and luxury of guitars made them desirable among the upper class and courtiers, with Queen Elizabeth herself receiving guitars as gifts.
• 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Guitar ownership reflected social status and involvement in court culture in Tudor England.

Questions & Answers

Q: Were guitars common in Tudor England?

No, guitars were relatively rare in Tudor England, as evidenced by their absence in the government-issued book of rates. However, their presence increased over time, as seen in the revised list of commodities.

Q: Why were guitars popular in Tudor England?

Guitars were considered exotic and luxurious instruments in Tudor England, making them highly desirable among the upper class. They were often associated with dance music and were considered a fashionable accessory.

Q: Who were some notable guitar owners in Tudor England?

Notable guitar owners in Tudor England included courtiers, such as Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, and Richard Worsley of Apple Durkin. Queen Elizabeth herself received a chest with three guitars as a New Year's gift.

Q: How did guitar ownership reflect social status in Tudor England?

Owning a guitar in Tudor England was a status symbol, indicating one's involvement in court culture and connection to the monarchy. Guitars were often associated with the gentry and aristocracy.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• It is evident through historical records that guitars were present in Tudor England, although their importation and ownership were relatively limited.

• In 1545, guitars were not listed in the government-issued book of rates, implying that their importation was minimal at that time.

• By 1558, however, guitars appeared in the revised list of commodities, suggesting an increase in their importation and popularity.