What does the reader learn about the social and physical setting of Elizabethan times? (e.g. traditions, politics, beliefs, transportation, architecture, clothing, cuisine, etc.)

I can't write about all of these. This is only a short answer space. Reputation plays a significant role in a such a small, rural community as Peter was born into. Cumberland is just a village still. When Peter insults Sir Phillip by throwing stones at him, he's cost his elder greatly. Nobody in the village will ever forget that Sir Phillip got bested by a boy the way Peter did. Naturally this leads Sir Phillip to desperately attempt to restore his reputation by consequently defaming Peter. He needs this boy to be humiliated, in a manner just as intense as the way Peter embarrassed him. Of course, Sir Phillip is not a prudent nor especially kind man, so he takes it upon himself to ruin Peter's life. This is why he goes tot he authorities and demands a warrant for the boy's arrest. All of this is a vain attempt to undo the insult already paid. In the end, Peter is really the one to learn about the power of reputation as he realizes that everybody who knows him is now willing to get him arrested. He has to leave because he insulted the wrong guy.