Perkin Warbeck (play) facts for kids
Perkin Warbeck is a history play written by John Ford. It was created during the Caroline era, which was a time in English history when King Charles I ruled (1625-1649). The play is about a real historical figure named Perkin Warbeck. He claimed to be a prince who had a right to be King of England. Many people consider this play to be one of John Ford's best works.
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About the Play's History
This play was likely written sometime between 1629 and 1634. It was first published in 1634 with a long title: The Chronicle History of Perkin Warbeck. A Strange Truth.
The play was performed by a group called Queen Henrietta's Men. They put on the play at a theater known as the Phoenix or Cockpit Theatre.
After its first run, the play was brought back to the stage in 1745. This happened during a time when another person, Bonnie Prince Charlie, was also trying to claim the English throne. The play was performed again much later, in 1975, in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Who Wrote the Play?
Most people agree that John Ford wrote Perkin Warbeck. Some experts have wondered if another writer, like Thomas Dekker, might have helped him. However, many scholars believe Ford wrote it all by himself.
Ford used two main history books to get his facts for the play. One was The History of the Reign of King Henry VII by Francis Bacon, published in 1622. The other was The True and Wonderful History of Perkin Warbeck by Thomas Gainsford, from 1618. Ford used these books to make his play as historically accurate as possible.
What is the Play About?
History plays were not very popular when Ford wrote Perkin Warbeck. Ford himself mentioned this in the play's introduction. However, he stuck very closely to the historical facts, more than many other playwrights of his time.
The play tells the story of Perkin Warbeck. He claimed to be "Richard IV," one of the Princes in the Tower. These princes were thought to have been killed in the Tower of London during the rule of King Richard III. Warbeck said he escaped and was fighting for the House of York.
The play shows events like a Scottish invasion and two uprisings in Cornwall. However, Warbeck's attempts to become king are not successful. A Spanish peacemaker named Pedro de Ayala also appears in the play.
Ford did change one small part of history for the play. He shows Warbeck meeting Lambert Simnel. Simnel was another person who had claimed to be king but later gave up his claim and was pardoned. Simnel offers Warbeck the same chance to be pardoned, but Warbeck refuses.
In the play's final scene, Warbeck is publicly shamed before he is executed. His followers are also shown being led to their deaths.
Ford generally shows Warbeck in a sympathetic way. He tries to be fair and neutral in how he presents Warbeck. This is different from how official history books at the time usually described Warbeck, which was often very negative.
How People See the Play
Perkin Warbeck is a play that makes people think a lot. Experts have written many articles and books about it. They often discuss Warbeck's state of mind, the play's political messages, and whether it is a true history play or something different.
The play was even mentioned in a novel called The Dragon Waiting by John M. Ford.
