John Bancroft (dramatist) facts for kids

John Bancroft was an English writer who lived a long time ago. He wrote plays for the theater. He was also a surgeon, which means he was a doctor who performed operations. John Bancroft passed away in 1696. He was buried at St. Paul's Church in Covent Garden, England.

Plays by John Bancroft

John Bancroft was known for his work in the theatre. He wrote plays, also called dramas, for the stage. People who went to the theater often sought his medical help. This might have encouraged him to write his own plays.

Sertorius

One of his plays is definitely his own work. It is a tragedy called Sertorius. This play was based on stories from the ancient Greek writer Plutarch. It was approved to be performed on March 10, 1679. The play was also printed as a book in 1679. Sertorius was performed at the Theatre Royal in London. This theater is now known as Drury Lane.

Henry the Second

Another play, Henry the Second, King of England, with the Death of Rosamond, is also thought to be by Bancroft. It was first performed in 1692 at the Theatre Royal. This play was printed in 1693. It was later included in a collection of plays. This collection was titled Six Plays written by Mr. Mountfort.

Other Possible Plays

Some experts believe Bancroft also wrote King Edward the Third with the Fall of Mortimer, Earl of March. This play was published in 1691. It was also part of the collection of plays by William Mountfort. It is thought that Bancroft gave this play to Mountfort. This meant Mountfort got the credit and money from the play. The people who published Mountfort's plays said that Bancroft likely helped write these two dramas. They believed he had a part in getting them ready for the stage.