English History
Folger Finds: New Year's Gift Rolls of Elizabeth I and Henry VIII
In early modern England, New Year’s Day was celebrated with a long-standing custom of giving gifts to the monarch. Each gift was carefully recorded on “gift rolls.” What were the top gifts in 1539 and 1585?
The Lead-Up to Shakespeare’s Richard II
In an excerpt from The Eagle and the Hart: The Tragedy of Richard II and Henry IV, historian Helen Castor travels back in time to the weeks just before Shakespeare’s play begins.
The Tragedy of Richard II and Henry IV, with Helen Castor
What happens when a king loses his people’s trust? Historian Helen Castor delves into the 14th century drama behind Richard II’s fall and Henry IV’s rise, the events that inspired Shakespeare’s celebrated history plays.
Saving Prince Henry
Though Henry V reigned over England for only nine years and four months, he looms large over English history. In a new biography, historian and journalist Dan Jones examines Henry’s life anew.
Louis Butelli: Mary Stuart and Monarchy
Louis Butelli Hello once again from your pal Louis Butelli. Here at Folger Theatre, we are currently two weeks into our rehearsal period for Friedrich Schiller’s play Mary Stuart, which begins previews on January 27. We’re having great fun so far…