Daniel Ruwe
Jul 10, 2017 · 1 min read

John Shakespeare was a secret recusant, so it’s possible Shakespeare could have been Catholic in secret. (This is assuming John was a recusant, which is far from proven). There were a number of secret recusants at the time, some of whom presumably were allowed within 50 feet of the palace. Also, while Shakespeare’s company was the top company in England, I think it’s safe to say they were somewhat rough and tumble. Actors are held in esteem now, but not so much in Shakespeare’s day.

There is some evidence that Shakespeare was Catholic. There simply isn’t enough evidence to say one way or another, but to say that there isn’t any and if he had been he couldn’t have been a playwright just isn’t true.

    Daniel Ruwe

    Written by