Her Royal Majesty, Queen Elizabeth

Perhaps the most revered monarch of all time, Queen Elizabeth I brought a renewed sense of glory to England and all of Europe. She reigned as Queen of England, Ireland, Wales and France. Born in 1533, the daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn made history by maintaining a newly unified Church of England. Her armies battled against the ever powerful Spanish Armada that was dominantly Catholic. Well educated, incredibly clever, bold and stubborn, Elizabeth I set a precedent for all time as she refused to wed in order to sanction an alliance with another country. Titled the “Virgin Queen” she proclaimed she was married to England and lived out her days serving her people as such.  Most villagers living in a small country town would rarely get the chance to see the queen in their lifetime. A visit from her was certainly worthy of a massive celebration, perhaps, even a faire……….

Portrayed by Deirdre Sargent

Sir Francis Drake

Drake was one of the great English folk heroes who emerged from obscurity by virtue of his own endeavors to become a person of substance in Elizabethan society and history. Born in Devon to humble beginnings, he would later become know as “El Draques” by the Spanish.  Drake was a supreme seaman and had great instinct at sea.  His love of country, queen, and protestant faith would help keep him in good favor with the Queen.  Drake would go on to command ships such as the Revenge that led the attack on the Spanish Armada, and earlier the famous Golden Hind. Drake’s three year expedition aboard the Hind in 1577-1580 would bring great wealth to Queen, Country, and for Drake himself.   The Queen an ever supporter of Drake would show great favor to this explorer, commander, and even privateer. The Queen in 1580 would knight him for his goode service to his queen and country. Later he would go to rescue those in need in 1585 from the new colonies. Drake’s voyage around the world remains one of the greatest journeys ever undertaken.

Portrayed by Will Wood

Master William Shakespeare

Who would have thought that a Glover’s son, with less than a high school education from a town 130 miles away would become one of London’s and the worlds most beloved and respected playwrights for all the ages.  During the Elizabethan reign, this poet and playwright would write, produce, direct, and play in dozens of plays and write 154 sonnets chronicling his life, loves, tragedies, and joys.  He and fellow poets such as Kit Marlow, Richard Burbage, Ben Johnson and Thomas Kyd performed in the new and sometimes dangerous form of entertainment called theater.  Shakespeare was a proud man and driven to success. William would go on to be a wealthy theater and property owner as well as lender. His later years in the Elizabethan reign would be spent in Stratford at New House. History would later reveal him to be the most famous poet and playwright in recorded history.

Portrayed by David Carter

The rest of our theme characters will be listed soon.