Background

Edward Alleyn was born in London on Sept. 1, 1566, in the parish of St. Botolph's, Bishopsgate, London, England.

Career

Alleyn turned to the stage at an early age, serving his apprenticeship with the Earl of Worcester's Men, a provincial acting troupe. By the age of 16, he had risen to a position of prominence with the company. When he left the troupe is unknown, but by 1589 he was in London playing with the Lord Admiral's Men. In 1592 he was with the temporarily amalgamated Lord Admiral's-Lord Strange's company at Philip Henslowe's Bankside theater, the Rose. Alleyn remained head of the Lord Admiral's company through 1597, when he temporarily withdrew from the stage. After his return he acted sporadically until about 1605, retiring as a respected actor and a wealthy man. Alleyn's money came not only from his theatrical activities, but from successful business and real-estate ventures. Aside from miscellaneous investments in Southwark real estate, Alleyn profitably dabbled in bearbaiting at the Bear Garden in the Bankside in association with his father-in-law. In 1613, Alleyn left London for Dulwich. Here he devoted himself to charitable works, notably the building of the College of God's Gift for poor boys--which was opened in 1619--and the construction of almshouses. Alleyn died on Nov. 25, 1626, and was buried in the chapel of the college he founded.

Achievements

• In 1600, Alleyn built and opened his own theater, the Fortune, which was described as "the fayrest play-house in this towne", Dulwich College and Alleyn's School.

Connections

On Oct. 22, 1592, the young actor married Henslowe's stepdaughter, Joan Woodward. On June 28, 1623, his wife died, and on December 3 he married Constance, the daughter of the poet John Donne.

stepdaughter:

Henslowe

In 1592 he was with the temporarily amalgamated Lord Admiral's-Lord Strange's company at Philip Henslowe's Bankside theater, the Rose.On Oct. 22, 1592, the young actor married Henslowe's stepdaughter, Joan Woodward.