Shakespeare produced most of his great tragedies during the politically disturbed and plague-filled decade following the accession of James I, a period of formi

Shakespeare produced most of his great tragedies during the politically disturbed and plague-filled decade following the accession of James I, a period of formi

In 1603, Queen Elizabeth I died and King James I inherited the English throne. During James's reign, England continued to hark back to Elizabeth, comparing him

Church and state during Shakespeare's lifetime were in significant conflict on issues stemming from Henry VIII's break with Rome, issues centering principally o

An introduction to the political and historical context to Shakespeare's tragedy and history plays, written in an accessible, jargon-free style.