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The History Of European Theatre

The Life of Ben Jonson Part Two: He That is Taught Only by Himself Has a Fool for a Master

Season 6, Ep. 30

Episode 143:


The second part of the life of Ben Jonson takes him from his birth, through his years at school and onto working as a bricklayer.  He then briefly joined the army before returning to become a player, a poet and a playwright.


Jonson’s Scottish ancestry.

His father’s loss of position under queen Mary.

His Stepfather Robert Brett, bricklayer.

Life for the Brett/Jonson family on Christopher Lane

Jonson’s education at Westminster school.

Theatre at the Westminster School.

The influence of school master William Camden.

Jonson the bricklayer’s apprentice.

Jonson briefly attends Cambridge university – maybe.

Jonson the soldier and his service in the war in the Netherlands.

The Lord Mayor’s procession and the involvement of the Guild companies

Jonson’s contribution to the Lord Mayor’s procession.

Jonson the player for Pembroke’s men.



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