The Tudor Society

3 September – A clown and a playwright

On this day in Tudor history, 3rd September 1588, or possibly the 5th September, actor and clown, Richard Tarlton, died in Shoreditch. He was buried in St Leonard's Church, Shoreditch.

Tarlton was a member of the Queen's Men acting company, but is famed for his post-play jigs as a clown. He was also known for being able to cheer up Queen Elizabeth I - how wonderful.

Find out more about Tudor clown Richard Tarlton, his life and career...

Also on this day in Tudor history, 3rd September 1592, Elizabethan writer and playwright Robert Greene died in London.

Greene is best known for a pamphlet "Greene's Groats-worth of Wit bought with a Million of Repentance" which he wrote on his deathbed and in which he attacked Shakespeare as an “upstart crow”.

Find out more about the man and his pamphlet...

Leave a Reply

3 September – A clown and a playwright