What are the main differences between 16th and 19th century England? Which is more interesting as a setting?

Question

I'm writing a story that takes place in England -- I don't know what century I'd like it to take place in, as the setting isn't going to be a large part of the story. Still, I'd like to know some differences about the time periods. Anyone know anything helpful?

And which, between the two, do you find more interesting?
And.. if you have any suggestions for other periods of time for a romance novella, let me know. But I want 19th century or earlier.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Whatever you do, you need to research thoroughly the period you choose. Readers are not happy about spotting anachronisms!

That said, I personally find the 16th century more interesting and romantic: things were very much different then from how they are now, whereas in the 19th century the way of life was approaching the way we now live. In the 16th century, there was danger, eg what religion you were, etc. Women had very little freedom. In the 19th century, there was still little freedom for women, but they could become companions, governesses, etc - think Jane Eyre.

You could research the beginning of the 19th century, the Regency era, where in the aristocratic circles there was a lot of vice and gambling - and scandalous behaviour. Things calmed down and were more sedate when Victoria came to the throne in 1837.

Have a look at costume also in the two different periods:
http://www.costumes.org/history/100pages/costhistpage.htm

Here are some sites that might help:
http://www.ntseducation.org.uk/teachers/victorians.html
http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/Homework/victorians/index.htm
http://hal.ucr.edu/~cathy/reg.html
http://www.janeausten.co.uk/magazine/page.ihtml?pid=201&step=4
http://www.britainexpress.com/History/Tudor_index.htm
http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/Homework/Tudors.html
http://www.tudorplace.com.ar/LifeinTudorTimes.htm

I hope you find what you're looking for in all this. Good luck with your story!

Answer 2

Both are very interesting,how long have you got it would take reams of Paper to tell everything. Power is the main differance, The Discovery of Steam generation in the 19 th Century, firstly for controlling Mill Wheels for grinding Corn, and Industrial tasks like Steam Hammers for Pounding Metals, Then Steam Tractors,Cranes, Railway Locomotives,and even the first Motorcars. The Industrial Revolution, The Mass Production of Goods in Factories. In spite of all this Wealth the People were still very Poor , Some were Starving to Death. Read Charles Dickens Stories. The 16 th Century had still Wars of Religeon going on between Protestant and Catholic each were equally brutal to one another. England was at War with France and Spain, with Holland Involved and other European Countries. The Horse was the main source of Travel together with the Sailing Ship. Because of all the Wars the People were Starving to Death.The Rich were having a Jolly old time so whats New. The French Revolution and Era of L,Emperor Napoleon is my favourite time, anything French love the Culture, I think it is an Excellent Period.A French or English Girl caught up in the Intrigue of Politics and Romance Between Le Anglais Et Le Francais.

Answer 3

well, theres a huge amount of difference between those two, not least the industrial revolution! depends whether you want tudor or victorian really. tudor was stll very unadvanced technologically, timber frame houses with plague, the ongoing battle between catholics and protestants etc victorian more advanced but still a lot of poverty, industrial revolution led to an explosion in city sizes etc

try regency period a la jane austen