Essential Essex History

“Thus, to cite a famous example, when in 1601 Queen Elizabeth’s former favorite, Robert Devereaux, the Earl of Essex, decided to forget a rebellion against her and to claim the throne for himself, he paid Shakespeare’s company to revive Richard II, a play popular several years earlier, in order to put the populace in the mood for a “legitimate” usurpation.” Page 239.

Further along?

“The Essex rebellion failed, and Essex was beheaded for treason.”

Shakespeare After All

Ah, c’mon, who hasn’t lost his head over some powerful women we all find attractive?

I realize this not new material but in preparation for upcoming events? Just nice to get a noted scholar’s take on the situation.

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