During the English Renaissance women were taught from birth they were inferior to men and they were instruments of the devil.

Girls were raised to obey their parents without question and their only function in life was to marry and bear children.

Most people in the first half of the 16th century didn't believe in education for women.

The education of girls was for the privileged and the rich.

Very few men and women of noble birth chose their own partners.

Royal marriages were contracted largely for political, military, or trade advantages.

The chief function of Queens and of wives of lesser status as well, was to produce sons to ensure continuation of her husband's dynasty.

A woman's body and her goods became her husband's property when she married and the law allowed him to do whatever he wanted with them.

Wife beating was common and was considered righteous punishment for an erring and disobedient wife.