What life was like before the English civil War?

Before the English Civil War, life in England was marked by a complex social hierarchy and a struggle for power between the monarchy and Parliament. The monarchy, led by King Charles I, wielded significant authority, often clashing with Parliament over issues like taxation and governance. The majority of the population were peasants or laborers, living under feudal systems, while the gentry and nobility enjoyed privileges and wealth. Religious tensions, particularly between Anglicans and Puritans, also contributed to societal strife, setting the stage for the conflict that would erupt in the 1640s.