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Events on Wednesday 7 February 1601 1
1601The Essex Rebellion and Richard IIOn 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.