William Haughton (playwright) facts for kids

William Haughton (died 1605) was an English playwright who lived during the exciting time of English Renaissance theatre. This was a period when many famous plays were written and performed in England.

Life of a Playwright

Most of what we know about William Haughton comes from the notes of Philip Henslowe. Henslowe owned a famous theatre called The Rose Theatre. Haughton wrote all his known plays for Henslowe's theatre companies, like the Admiral's Men and Worcester's Men.

People in England during Haughton's time often spelled names in many different ways. So, you might see his name written as Hawton, Hauton, or even Houghton!

Henslowe sometimes helped Haughton out with money when he needed it. For example, in March 1600, Henslowe lent him ten shillings to help him out of a difficult situation.

William Haughton made his will in June 1605, and he passed away in July of the same year. He left behind his wife, Alice, and their children.

William Haughton's Plays

William Haughton was a busy playwright between 1597 and 1602. He often worked with other writers to create plays. Some of his writing partners included Henry Chettle, Thomas Dekker, John Day, Richard Hathwaye, and Wentworth Smith.

One of his most famous plays that he wrote by himself was a funny comedy called Englishmen for My Money, or A Woman will have her Will (1598).

He also helped write Patient Grissel (1599) with Dekker and Chettle. In this play, Haughton wrote parts about a Welsh knight named Sir Owen and his wife, Gwenthyan. He also wrote about the Duke's sister, Julia, and her three silly boyfriends.

Another play, The Devil and his Dame, is thought to be the same as Grim the Collier of Croydon. This play is about a messenger sent from the underworld to see what married life is like on Earth!

Known Works by William Haughton

Here are some of the plays William Haughton was involved with, either by himself or with other writers:

• Englishmen for My Money, or A Woman Will Have Her Will (1598): This play was printed several times.
• The Poor Man's Paradise (1599): This play was not printed.
• Cox of Collumpton (1599): Written with John Day, this play was not printed.
• Thomas Merry, or Beech's Tragedy (1599): Written with John Day, this play was not printed.
• The Arcadian Virgin (1599): Written with Henry Chettle, this play was not printed.
• Patient Grissel (1599): Written with Chettle and Dekker.
• The Spanish Moor's Tragedy (1600): Written with John Day and Thomas Dekker.
• The Seven Wise Masters (1600): Written with Chettle, Day, and Dekker, this play was not printed.
• Ferrex and Porrex (1600): This play was not printed.
• The English Fugitives (1600): This play was not printed.
• The Devil and His Dame (1600): This is likely the play Grim the Collier of Croydon.
• Strange News Out of Poland (1600): Written with "Mr. Pett," this play was not printed.
• Judas (1600): This play was later finished by William Bird and Samuel Rowley, but it was not printed.
• Robin Hood's Pennorths (1600-1601): This play was not printed.
• The Blind Beggar of Bethnal Green, Part II (1601): Written with John Day, this play was not printed.
• The Blind Beggar of Bethnal Green, Part III (1601): Written with John Day, this play was not printed.
• The Conquest of the West Indies (1601): Written with Day and Smith, this play was not printed.
• The Six Yeomen of the West (1601): Written with John Day, this play was not printed.
• Friar Rush and the Proud Woman of Antwerp (1601-1602): Written with Chettle and Day, this play was not printed.
• Tom Dough, Part II (1601): Written with John Day, this play was not printed.
• The Six Clothiers, Part I (1601): Written with Richard Hathwaye and Wentworth Smith, this play was not printed.
• The Six Clothiers, Part II (1601): Written with Hathwaye and Smith, this play was not printed.
• William Cartwright (1602): This play was not printed.