Timeline February 1601

Events in February 1601 1

• 1601 The Essex Rebellion and Richard II On the eve of the Earl of Essex's coup attempt against Elizabeth I, his supporters pay the Lord Chamberlain's Men 40 shillings to stage a special performance of Richard II — specifically its deposition scene, which had been censored from the printed text. Essex's rebellion fails; he is executed. Shakespeare's company is questioned but cleared. Elizabeth I reportedly says "I am Richard II, know ye not that?" The episode shows how politically charged the stage could be.