english society in 1603

the king

peerage

- dukes

- earls

- barons/lords

some (limited) social movement possible through :

- the church

- the law

- military service

- attracting the notice and favour of an influential person

landed classes

- baronets

- knights

- gentry with no title

merchant classes

- merchants

- bankers

- city officials

- master craftsmen

- skilled labourers

lower classes

- labourers

-paupers