During Shakespeare's life Elizabeth was the Queen of England. So this period is also known as the Elizabethan Period. It is also known as the Golden age of Literature. During this period there was a great rival of classical learning in Europe and England. This period was called the period of Renaissance. The reformation of the church also took during the Elizabethan period.
Cock-fight and bearbaiting were common sports. The Elizabethans were also fond of hunting.
The age of Shakespeare was a 'romantic' age full of patriotic fervor. All ranks of the society believe in superstitions, ghosts and goblins. A spirit of patriotism ran through their veins after the defeat of the Armada. Elizabethans were filled with a new spirit of freedom. They were eager, idealistic and adventurous.