William Haughton (playwright)
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William Haughton | |
|---|---|
| Born | Unknown England |
| Died | 1605 England |
| Occupation | Playwright |
| Literary movement | English Renaissance theatre |
| Spouse | Alice |
William Haughton (died 1605) was an English playwright in the age of English Renaissance theatre.[1]
Most of what little biographical information there is about him is derived from the papers of Philip Henslowe, proprietor of the Rose Theatre.[1] Henslowe's earliest reference to him refers to him as "young" Haughton. He wrote all his known dramatic work for Henslowe, for production by the Admiral's Men and Worcester's Men. (Henslowe's papers refer to Haughton as Hawton, Hauton, Haughtoun, Haulton, Howghton, Horton, Harton, and Harvghton[2]—a fine example of the famously flexible Elizabethan orthography. His name is spelled Houghton in his 1605 will.)
On 10 March 1600 Henslowe lent Haughton ten shillings "to release him out of The Clink".[1]
A William Haughton received an M.A. from Oxford in 1604, but Baugh doubts that this was the playwright. Haughton made his will on 6 June 1605, with his sometime dramatic collaborator Wentworth Smith and one Elizabeth Lewes as witnesses. It was proved on 20 July 1605. He was of All Hallows Staining at that time, a London church whose tower survives. He left a widow Alice and children.
