The year is 1565

one year after the birth of Shakespeare, seven years after the surrender of Calais to the French and 26 years after the dissolution of the monasteries. The population of England and Wales is approximately 3 million and average life expectancy is 38 years.
Queen Elizabeth has been on the throne for seven years and conformity to the Protestant religion is required - Catholic priests are in danger of arrest and imprisonment but lay Catholics continue to be treated with some leniency.

Young people of different social degree are arriving at Ingatestone Hall to join the household of Sir William Petre who has been Secretary of State to Henry VIII, Edward VI and Queen Mary and remains a trusted advisor of the present Queen.