HIstory

The King’s Men
William Shakespeare belonged to a troupe of actors known as the King’s Men. Formed in 1594 as the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, the group was rechristened in 1603 when James I ascended to the throne and became the company’s patron. The company was Shakespeare’s creative home and is known to have presented the first performances of most of his plays. The company performed at the famed Globe Theatre and were frequent guests at court. The King’s Men disbanded with the closing of the theatres in 1642.