The Royal Advocate- The Queen Who Championed William Shakespeare’s Masterpieces
Which queen was a great patron of William Shakespeare’s works? The answer to this question is none other than Queen Elizabeth I. During the Elizabethan era, the queen played a significant role in supporting the arts, including theater, and her patronage had a profound impact on the development of Shakespeare’s career and the plays that would become the cornerstone of English literature.
Queen Elizabeth I was a strong advocate for the arts and recognized the importance of cultural development. She was particularly interested in promoting English theater, which was gaining popularity during her reign. Shakespeare, along with his fellow playwrights, such as Christopher Marlowe and Ben Jonson, benefited greatly from the queen’s patronage.
One of the most notable examples of Queen Elizabeth’s support for Shakespeare’s works is her patronage of the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, the acting company to which Shakespeare belonged. The company was granted a royal patent in 1599, which allowed them to perform at the Globe Theatre and other venues. This royal endorsement helped to solidify the company’s status and provided a stable income for its members, including Shakespeare.
Queen Elizabeth’s influence extended beyond financial support. She was also known to attend performances by the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, which likely influenced the content and style of Shakespeare’s plays. The queen’s presence at the theater would have encouraged the playwright to create works that were both entertaining and reflective of the royal court’s interests.
Shakespeare’s plays, such as “Hamlet,” “Macbeth,” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” were well-received during the queen’s reign, and it is believed that she may have had a hand in commissioning some of these works. For example, it is rumored that she requested a play to celebrate the birth of her great-niece, Lady Elizabeth, which may have led to the creation of “The Taming of the Shrew.”
In addition to her direct support of Shakespeare and his company, Queen Elizabeth I also fostered an environment that was conducive to artistic growth. Her reign saw the establishment of the Stationers’ Company, which regulated the printing and publishing of books, including plays. This helped to ensure that Shakespeare’s works would be preserved and accessible to future generations.
In conclusion, Queen Elizabeth I was a great patron of William Shakespeare’s works. Her support for the arts, particularly theater, provided a foundation for Shakespeare’s success and helped to establish his legacy as one of the greatest playwrights in English history. Without the queen’s patronage, it is possible that Shakespeare’s works would not have reached the same level of acclaim and would not have had the same lasting impact on the world of literature.
