Drunken robbers threaten the leader of Shakespeare's players

It was between 10 and 11 o’clock at night on the evening of November 21st 1627. Shakespeare was dead by now of course, but his works were still being performed by his former and flagship troupe of actors – the King's Men.

Tonight they were in Ludlow, a relatively isolated town south of Shrewsbury. The actors were performing indoors, most likely at an inn in a part of the town known as Oldestreet and Galdford – presumably near the town’s main gate, Galdford Gate.

The man in charge of the troupe at the time was Richard Errington. He was collecting money at the door as the actors performed inside the inn when five or six figures, who appeared to have been drinking, approached.

By Alan Somerset, Professor Emeritus, University of Western Ontario, REED editor of Shropshire

Errington appears to have first ensured his takings were safe and then a rowdy noise ensued which attracted the attention of another member of the King's players who came to his aid.

At this point one of the ruffians drew a knife and attempted to wound Errington. He responded by drawing his own knife and putting off the thrust from the robber.

Then, one of the town’s sergeants came to assist, and the poor chap, William Baker, became the target of an assault…’dragged and hauled through the streets’ by his attackers.

We know all of this because the account was given by Richard Errington himself the very next day before the town’s bailiffs. Subsequently the six offenders were either bound over to keep the peace by the bailiffs or held in jail pending a further trial.

"This little incident provides a fascinating glimpse at the activities of these professional players, in this little town in South-West Shropshire," says Alan Somerset, Professor Emeritus, University of Western Ontario, REED editor of Shropshire

Nestled in an area of outstanding natural beauty, Ludlow wore its relative isolation proudly. 25 miles south of Shrewsbury, on the Herefordshire border, Ludlow looked to Wales – before 1641 Ludlow was the home of the Council in the Marches of Wales, an important administrative and legal body that gave the town an eminence that belied its small population (approximately 3000 in 1587).

River Teme, Ludlow Castle and Dinham Bridge (Credit: Shrophire Tourism)

The Council was housed in the large and well-fortified castle that dominates the West end of the High Street, balanced to the east by the 'cathedral of the Marches', St Laurence’s Church, the largest parish church in Shropshire. Poet John Leland was impressed, describing Ludlow as "uery propre welle walled and gated."

Situated on an easily-travelled North-South route between Shrewsbury and Hereford, Ludlow attracted numerous companies of professional players. They used various playing places: the church, the 'new house', the castle, the Palmers' Guild Hall, and at least six private houses or inns. The King's Men performed at Ludlow on three occasions, in 1619-20, 1623-4, and on 21st November 1627.

The last of these affords us intriguing details about the conditions of professional performing while on tour.