The Lord Admiral’s Company played an important part in the theatrical annals of the country, disputing inch by inch the formidable rivalry of the Lord Chamberlain’s men. The celebrated Edward Alleyn, by far the most brilliant actor of the early days of theatrical enterprise in Elizabethan times, was the head of the company. His father-in-law, Philip Henslowe, financed the Admiral’s men, and gradually installed himself as the managing director. The Rose Theatre, owned by Henslowe, was chiefly occupied by them when in London, and it is solely owing to the famous Diary kept by him that so many details are known in connexion with this company.
The Admiral’s Servants acted at Court almost every year during Elizabeth’s reign; they likewise toured the provinces, acting in all the most important towns, travelling as far north as York and reaching Dover in their southern circuit. This company is first noticed as early as 1574, when they acted at Court in a play called “The History of Phedrastus and Phigon”; at this period they were under the patronage of Lord Charles Howard, and were known as the Lord Chamberlain’s men, as Lord Howard was acting as Lord Chamberlain during the illness of the Earl of Sussex. After 1577 they again adopted the title of Lord Howard’s Servants. In 1588 Lord Howard was appointed Lord High Admiral, when the actors became the servants of the Lord High Admiral, retaining this position until the death of the Queen. Sometimes we find these players designated as the Earl of Nottingham’s servants, this nobleman receiving the Earldom in 1596; he was closely related by marriage to Lord Hunsdon, having married that nobleman’s daughter.
The first part
Of the true and honorable
historie, of the life of Sir
John Old-castle, the good
Lord Cobham.
As it hath been lately acted by the right honorable the Earle of Notingham Lord high Admirall of England his seruants.
LONDON
Printed by V.S. for Thomas Pauier, and are to be solde at
his shop at the signe of the Catte and Parrots
neere the Exchange.
1600.