8-4PatronSystem

What is the Patronage system? Why did artists have Patrons? Who was the Earl of Southampton, Shakespeare's Patron?

Answer prepared by Sophie Vick.

The Puritans were a powerful religious force during Shakespeare’s lifetime. This group believed that plays were sinful and that theatre attracted evil, unruly crowds. So, Queen Elizabeth, who loved the theatre, gave actors and authors’ protection through the patronage system. An aristocratic or noble person would “adopt” an artist or group of actors and provide funds for them. In return, writers and acting companies would dedicate their works to their patron and give special performances for him or her in great halls or at the royal palace. The name of the patron went with the touring artists even into the countryside.

When the plague shut down the theatres in London, actors like William Shakespeare needed to make a living. He began composing poetry. However, in order to become published he needed a patron. He turned to a young, rich nobleman named Henry Wriothesley, Earl of Southampton and Baron of Tichfield. The Earl paid Shakespeare well for two long poems, Venus and Adonis and The Rape of Lucrece. From here on, William Shakespeare was financially comfortable, and he would remain loyal to the young Earl even through future political difficulties.

Works Cited

"The Basics” 7 April 2009.  “The Elizabethan Period” 6 April 2009.  McEvoy, Sean. //Shakespeare: The Basics//. New York: Rout Ledge, 2000. Stanley, Diane and Vennema, Peter. //Bard of Avon: The Story of William Shakespeare//. New York: William Morrow and Company, Inc, 1992. Stirling, Nora. //Who Wrote the Classics?// New York: The John Day Company, Inc., 1965.