‘The Works of Sir William Davenant’, frontispiece, printed by TN for Henry Herri

‘The Works of Sir William Davenant’, frontispiece, printed by TN for Henry Herringman, London, 1673.

In 1656, when Cromwell who opposed theatrical performances was still in power, William Davenant succeeded in producing ‘The Siege of Rhodes’ in his home in an all-sung version. He staged it with moveable scenery arranged in perspective, which was to prove highly influential.

According to legend, Davenant was the illegitimate son of William Shakespeare. He contributed to the last of the Stuart masques and was a fervent Royalist. After Charles II was restored to the throne in 1660, Davenant and Thomas Killigrew were granted royal patents, which gave them virtual monopoly over presenting drama in London. These monopolies were not revoked until the 19th century.