THE NORTHERN RENAISSANCE 99
pause, during the reign of Henry VIII. It has been suggested that the Muscovy Company of the 1550s was motivated by curiosity , since they continued their investment long after the North East Passage to Asia had been found to be impassable and costly in lives and equipment. At the same time, the influence of John Dee, and his interest in navigational methods , may confirm a link between mathematical theory and the business of seeking new markets and commodities. It is reasonable to suggest that England enjoyed, to some extent, all the elements which the Renaissance displayed in other parts of Europe. During the fifteenth century, preoccupations with civil war delayed the adoption of Renaissance change in England , but by the end of the century the exchange of ideas was accelerating. If there were no homegrown painters and sculptors , nevertheless, the visual arts flourished through importation, and an interest in architecture has left Britain with a significant body of fine buildings. At the same time, writing of all kinds, from religious tracts and political satire to popular plays and beautiful poetry, marked the high point of Northern Renaissance literature. Technical developments like printing, and the new methods for exploration , were rapidly adopted in England. While the patrons were not necessarily noble, nevertheless, they were prepared to spend their wealth on intellectual and artistic projects. Thus, even if it was later and slighter than in Italy, we may say that England enjoyed its own distinct Renaissance. Questions 1. How much of the distinctiveness of the English Renaissance do you consider is the result of England's geographical position? 2. 'Monarchs had less influence on the taste of their wealthier subjects in England than elsewhere in Europe.' How far do you consider this statement to be true?