джентри

The article is devoted to the study of the social aspect of the life of Tudor London. On the material of the wills the author shows that the majority of the testators are artisans, small traders and merchants of the «Twelve Great Livery Companies» of London. Also, there are representatives of the service sector, gentry and the emerging intelligentsia. Among the recipients of the inheritance numerous church institutions of the city are mentioned. Some wills belong to women: wives or widows of merchants and artisans.

The article discusses the relationship of spouses in the early Tudors aristocratic family. The material from the correspondence of Lady Honour Lisle and Sir Arthur, Viscount Lisle, reveals topics that were discussed between spouses. These are business issues related to the financial situation of the family, news about family members, acquaintances and court life, exchange of gifts. The letters also show the feelings that the Lisle spouses had for each other.

The article discusses the sources of income, expenses and methods of doing business in the aristocratic Lisle`s family. Based on the correspondence of the Lisle`s spouses with their managers and financial agents, it is revealed that the greatest income for the family came from the lease of land, extraction of tin, timber and the fish trade. The position of governor of Calais, held by Lord Lisle, also brought income.