Dramatist and politician. The sixth son of the first Earl of Berkshire was born into a Royalist family. By the age of 18, he had been knighted for his actions on the battlefield. He was imprisoned in 1658 for his Royalist views but released after the Restoration. He rose quickly then through the political ranks, beginning as a Member of Parliament followed by Secretary to the Treasury and two years later in 1673, Auditor of the Exchequer. His support of William of Orange saw him rewarded with an appointment as a privy councilor. A speech delivered in Parliament in January of 1689, credits him with originating the phrase "We the People." He penned two books on politics, including "The Life and Reign of King Richard the Second." The majority of his writing was for the stage. His plays include: "The Committee," (1662), and "Four New Plays," (1665). "The Indian Queen" which he wrote with John Dryden (his brother-in-law) was later set to music by Henry Purcell. He was part owner of the Theatre Royal and did some set design as well. He married four times. Three of his brothers also became poets and his sister was married to the aforementioned poet John Dryden.
Dramatist and politician. The sixth son of the first Earl of Berkshire was born into a Royalist family. By the age of 18, he had been knighted for his actions on the battlefield. He was imprisoned in 1658 for his Royalist views but released after the Restoration. He rose quickly then through the political ranks, beginning as a Member of Parliament followed by Secretary to the Treasury and two years later in 1673, Auditor of the Exchequer. His support of William of Orange saw him rewarded with an appointment as a privy councilor. A speech delivered in Parliament in January of 1689, credits him with originating the phrase "We the People." He penned two books on politics, including "The Life and Reign of King Richard the Second." The majority of his writing was for the stage. His plays include: "The Committee," (1662), and "Four New Plays," (1665). "The Indian Queen" which he wrote with John Dryden (his brother-in-law) was later set to music by Henry Purcell. He was part owner of the Theatre Royal and did some set design as well. He married four times. Three of his brothers also became poets and his sister was married to the aforementioned poet John Dryden.
Bio by: Winter Birds PA
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