Surname: Davenant Forename(s): William b. 1606. d. 1668. Nationality: English. VIAF.
Poet, playwright, and theatre manager. Married three times, Mary c. 1623-1624, Anne
Cademan in October 1652, and Henrietta Maria du Tremblay c. August 1655. From 1627
began to write plays that were performed by the King’s Men. Author of several plays
for Queen Henrietta Maria that were performed in the royal court during the 1630s.
Continued to serve the royal couple during the beginning of the Civil War and stayed
with the exiled court in France. Knighted in 1643. Attempted to sail to the United
States, but was imprisoned for treason (1650-1652). Experimented with a theatre business
during the Commonwealth. Co-founded the King’s Company (1660). Opened the Duke’s Playhouse
and became the theatre manager (1661). Responsible for re-introducing Shakespeare
to the theatre during the Restoration while continuing to write his own plays. Collaborated
with John Dryden. Biographical information: ODNB. (CC)