The Life & Complete Works of Christopher Marlowe

By M. G. Scarsbrook and Christopher Marlowe

Described by Tennyson as the 'Morning Star' of Elizabethan drama, Christopher Marlowe is considered one of the greatest playwrights in the English language. This book gathers together all the crucial information needed for a study into the life of Marlowe, including a detailed timeline, a biographical profile, an extensive list of all Marlowe's personal associates, and a collection of all the key primary documents relating to Marlowe's dramatic life and death (e.g., The Privy Council Note To Cambridge Authorities, The Dutch Church Libel, The Baines Note, & much more).

PLAYS INCLUDED:
- Dido, Queen of Carthage
- Tamburlaine The Great, Part One
- Tamburlaine The Great, Part Two
- The Jew Of Malta
- Doctor Faustus (from the Quarto of 1604, and from the Quarto of 1616)
- Edward the Second
- The Massacre at Paris

POETRY INCLUDED:
- Hero and Leander
- Ovid's Elegies (translation)
- Lucan's Pharsalia (translation)
- The Passionate Shepherd To His Love
- Fragment
- Dialogue In Verse

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jan 4, 2013
• ISBN: 9781291273762

M. G. Scarsbrook

M. G. Scarsbrook is the author of four novels and the editor of several literary collections. Since 2011 his books have sold more than 40,000 copies worldwide and been translated into five languages. English editions of his work are sold in paperback, eBook, and audiobook formats at all major online bookstores.

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AUTHOR

TIMELINE

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1564

Born in Canterbury, England to Catherine and John Marlowe (a shoemaker).

February 26 - baptized at St. George's church.

1578

January - becomes a Queen's scholar at King's School, Canterbury (a school with a strong tradition in theatrical productions).

1580

December - enters Corpus Christi College, Cambridge.

1581

May - awarded the Archbishop Parker scholarship (normally granted to students who intend to take holy orders).

1584

Spring - graduates with a B.A. from Cambridge. Continues his education as an M.A. student.

Is possibly recruited by the government for work in espionage.

1585 - 1586

Increasingly absent from university (at least 8 weeks of sporadic and unexplained absence).

Translates Ovid's 'Amores' and Lucan's 'Wars'.

Writes 'Dido Queen of Carthage' and 'Tamburlaine: Part One'.

1587

Spring - Cambridge tries to deny awarding Marlowe his M.A. (apparently due to his many absences).

June 29 - Her Majesty's Privy Council intervenes on Marlowe's behalf, stating in an official letter that Marlowe's absences were due to matters touching the benefit of his country.

July - finally graduates from Cambridge with an M.A.

Autumn - the Lord Admiral's Men perform 'Tamburlaine: Part One' with Edward Alleyn in the lead role. The company is based at James Burbage's playhouse 'The Theatre' in Shoreditch.

November - due to the immense popularity of 'Tamburlaine: Part One', a sequel ('Tamburlaine: Part Two') is quickly written and performed.

1588

'The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus' is possibly performed by the Lord Admiral's Men.

1589

September - between 2pm-3pm, Marlowe is involved in a swordfight with William Bradley in Hogg Lane, Shoreditch over an unpaid debt. Thomas Watson assists Marlowe and kills Bradley. Both Marlowe and Watson are arrested and incarcerated in Newgate Prison, but Marlowe is soon freed (12 days later) and Watson is eventually released under self-defense.

The Admiral's Men perform 'The Jew of Malta'.

The Admiral's Men merge with Lord Strange's Men (who employ a young William Shakespeare as a writer and reviser of plays).

1590

Sir Francis Walsingham (the Queen's spymaster) dies. His death instigates Lord Burghley and the Earl of Essex to form rival spy networks.

1591

February - a disagreement over finances with Burbage means that the Admiral's-Lord Strange's Men leave 'The Theatre' and move across the Thames to join Philip Henslowe's new playhouse 'The Rose' at Bankside.

Summer - Marlowe shares a room with the playwright Thomas Kyd.

The Admiral's-Lord Strange's Men become the nation's most popular play company. Within three months, they perform six times at court for Queen Elizabeth (more than any other company).

1592

Pembroke's Men perform 'Edward II'.

Marlowe possibly assists Shakespeare with parts of the 'Henry VI' trilogy.

January - arrested and deported from Flushing under charges of counterfeiting made by Richard Baines.

May - bound to 'keep the peace' by two constables of Shoreditch (Allen Nichols and Nicholas Elliot).

23 June - theatres close until October due to an outbreak of the plague.

September 15 - involved in a fight with William Corkine (a tailor) in Canterbury. The case is settled out of court.

Winter - theatres reopen.

1593

January 26 - Lord Strange's Men perform 'The Massacre at Paris'.

Plague outbreak closes the theatres again.

Marlowe writes the poem 'Hero and Leander'.

March 19 - warrant issued for the arrest of Richard Cholmeley (charges against him also implicate Marlowe as an atheist).

April 15 - the first of many placards (libels) threatening violence on foreigners is posted in London.

April 22 - as the libels continue to appear, the Privy Council sets up a five man commission to investigate the author(s) of the libels.

May 5 - between 11pm-12am a particularly violent libel is posted at the Dutch Church on Broad Street, London. The libel makes frequent reference to Marlowe's plays ('The Jew of Malta' and 'The Massacre of Paris') and is signed 'Tamburlaine'.

May 10 - a proclamation is read at Guild Hall offering 100 shillings for any information on the libels.

May 11 - the Privy Council grants permission to the Lord Mayor's commissioners for the use of torture on persons suspected of posting the libels.

May 12 - Kyd's rooms are searched, documents denying the deity of Jesus Christ are found, and Kyd is arrested and imprisoned on charges of atheism. Under pain of torture, he names Marlowe as the owner of the heretical documents and denounces Marlowe as an atheist.

May 18 - warrant issued for Marlowe's arrest.

May 20 - arrested at the estate of Thomas Walsingham in Scadbury, Kent. Shortly after, he appears before the Privy Council at Nonsuch Palace in Surrey on charges of atheism (he is not imprisoned, but his daily attendance upon the court is required thereafter).

May 27 - Richard Baines supplies the Privy Council with a note describing Marlowe's blasphemies.

May 29 - at 4pm John Penry is executed for radical Puritanism by Archbishop Whitgift. He is hanged at St. Thomas a'Watering, a town 2.5 miles from Deptford.

May 30 - Marlowe spends eight hours in the company of Robert Poley, Nicholas Skeres, and Ingram Frizer at Eleanor Bull's meeting house in Deptford. A fight breaks out over the payment of a bill for eight meals and Marlowe is reportedly killed by Frizer.

June 1 - William Danby (Coroner to the Royal Household) officiates at Marlowe's inquest. Frizer is acquitted of murder (and is eventually pardoned on grounds of self-defense on June 28).

After the inquest, Marlowe's body is immediately buried in St. Nicholas's Church, Deptford in an unmarked grave (near the north tower).

Sources:

Keefer, Michael. Introduction. Christopher Marlowe's Doctor Faustus. By Christopher Marlowe. Ed. Michael Keefer. Peterborough, Ontario: Broadview Literary Texts, 1991.

Kuriyama, Constance Brown. Christopher Marlowe: A Renaissance Life. Ithaca, New York: Cornell University Press, 2002.

The Life of Christopher Marlowe. Southwest College. 2010. Houston Community College System. 21 June 2007. http://swc2.hccs.cc.tx.us/rowhtml/faust/marlowe.htm

Marlowe, Christopher. Encyclopedia Britannica. 2010. Encyclopedia Britannica Online. 21 June 2007. http://search.eb.com/eb/article-4631

Nicholls, Charles. The Reckoning: The Murder of Christopher Marlowe. Illinois: University of Chicago Press, 1995.

CHRISTOPHER MARLOWE: A PROFILE

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Full Name

Christopher Marlowe.

However, since spelling was not yet standardized in Elizabethan England his name also appears in various records as Marlin, Merlin, Marlyn, Marlen, Marley, and Malyn.

His popular nickname was Kit, but he also called himself mercury (after the messenger to the gods in Roman mythology).

His only known signature was made upon the will of Katherine Benchkin in 1585 while he was still a student at Cambridge.

Birth

Officially unknown, but sometimes given as February 6th, 1564.

Baptized February 26th, 1564 at St. George's Church, Canterbury.

Death

Wednesday, May 30th, 1593.

Killed by Ingram Frizer during a fight at a meeting house in Deptford. As reported in the coroner's report, he attacked Frizer (who was unarmed) and in the ensuing struggle was accidentally struck in the brow by his own dagger.

He was 29 years old.

Physical Appearance

Brown hair and eyes.

Height and weight are unknown.

He was rumored to dress in a rather bold, ostentatious manner - a rumor supported by accounts of his forceful personality and by the portrait commonly attributed to him (see title page).

Although the man in this portrait is unnamed, many scholars believe it is Marlowe.

In the upper left corner, the portrait is inscribed ANNO DNI AETATIS SVAE 21 1585 (Aged 21 in 1585). At this date, Marlowe had just graduated from Cambridge with a B.A. Thus, the portrait may have been commissioned to commemorate this honor. It is also interesting to note that this date is the start of the period when Marlowe may have been recruited for espionage work.

In the same left corner, the portrait is also inscribed with the words Quod me nutrit me destruit (What nourishes me destroys me - a popular renaissance motto).

Personality

Any attempt to establish the personality of someone who lived over 400 years ago is inherently problematic, especially considering the scanty sources we posses on Marlowe. Nevertheless, we may be able to approach a rough sketch of his nature...

Thomas Kyd (a fellow playwright at The Rose) famously wrote that Marlowe was intemperate and cruel of heart and was known for his rashness in attempting sodden pryvie injuries to men. Yet these words must be tempered by the fact that Kyd suffered greatly for his association with Marlowe (he was tortured on the rack). Moreover, when Kyd made this statement he was desperately trying to distance himself from Marlowe in order to regain lost favor with his patrons.

While Marlowe undoubtedly possessed a violent streak, he was not involved in a great many disputes considering his rowdy and dangerous environment. Furthermore, in Elizabethan England violence was a far more common and necessary part of social life - some of the events in Marlowe's criminal record may well be the natural reactions of any Elizabethan man given the context of the incident.

Regarding friendships, Marlowe was a famous figure during his era and was connected to a lively social scene. He counted lords and wealthy landowners among his patrons, and the Queen among his greatest admirers. Evidently, he was capable of charming people when required.

Elements of his personality may also be reflected in the content of his plays, particularly in the characterization of his main heroes who are usually dynamic, charismatic, and conflicted individuals. They entertain great ambitions, but suffer a gradual corruption of spirit in the pursuit of their goals. Perhaps Marlowe recognized this tragic and unstable combination of strength, ambition, and spiritual decay as a theme in his own life?

Finally, it is clear that Marlowe also had a caring and sensitive side to his nature: his translations of Ovid, and his poems 'A Passionate Shepherd to His Love' and 'Hero and Leander', are some of the most tender, romantic works in all English literature.

Family

Father - John Marlowe, a shoemaker. He was known as a stern, violent man.

Mother - Katherine Marlowe (maiden name Arthur). Her father was a rector at St. Peter's Church, Canterbury.

His parents married on May 22nd, 1561. Their marriage lasted nearly 44 years until their deaths in 1605.

Siblings - Mary (baptized: 1562); Margaret (baptized: 1565); unnamed brother* (baptized: 1568); Jane (baptized: 1569); Thomas (baptized: 1570); Ann (baptized: 1571); Dorothy (baptized: 1573); Thomas (baptized: 1576).

*His name is not recorded and he died shortly after his baptism.

Education

King's School, Canterbury (1578-1580)

Corpus Christi College, Cambridge (B.A. 1580-1584; M.A. 1584-1587)

For the six year period during which Marlowe matriculated at Cambridge, he was one of a few students to receive an Archbishop Parker scholarship.

What was Marlowe's experience at Cambridge like?

To start, Marlowe's scholarship indicates he intended to enter the clergy after graduation - the normal course for Parker's scholars. Along the way, however, he apparently became more interested in drama than in Christianity (i.e., while he was increasingly absent from his classes, he still managed to complete translations of Lucan and Ovid, and wrote two original plays). His later attacks on organized religion are likely due to some disenchantment he experienced during his theological studies.

In general, life at Cambridge was fairly repressive in the 1580's: the university held exceedingly strict rules regarding the behavior of its students. For example, students could not go into town without tutors; students were not permitted to leave university residence save for one month every year; all students were required to wear a gown of sad colour; and swimming in the river Cam was forbidden. Needless to say, all these rules were frequently disobeyed.

In the dorms, Marlowe shared his room with three other students. Many rich and noble students also shared the same building as him (e.g., Richard Boyle, the future Earl of Cork). Dogs were kept in rooms, too. Cards and dice were allowed and provided a common pastime. Another common entertainment was the production of plays. At various times of the year, student-produced plays were held in a small space at the university. The audience was often raucous, and violence sometimes erupted during lively performances that ridiculed college and town officials.

Throughout the 1580's, Cambridge was also alive with religious turmoil (echoing the rest of the country). Puritanism was particularly strong. Indeed, Marlowe's fellow students were John Penry, John Greenwood, and Henry Barrow: all notorious Puritans who were later executed for promoting their beliefs.

One of the most notable features of Marlowe's time at Cambridge is his increasing absence during his M.A. studies. At various instances, Marlowe's name completely vanishes from the college buttery book (an account of student expenses on food), indicating that he was not present at the university. No one knows where he went or what he was doing for the duration of these absences...

In 1587, when Marlowe expected to graduate, the university suddenly tried to deny awarding his M.A. - apparently, they were not impressed by his meager class attendance. With no one else to appeal to for help, many students in this situation would've suffered an inglorious end to their education. But Marlowe had friends in high places.

In a letter sent directly to university officials, the Privy Council (the supreme legal authority in the country after the Queen) argued on Marlowe's side, stating that his absences were due to matters touching the benefit of his country. After receiving the letter, the university quickly awarded Marlowe his degree without further complaint.

This direct intervention by the Privy Council is both surprising and unprecedented. It leads many contemporary scholars to speculate that Marlowe was recruited by the government for espionage work during his studies.

Profession

As a playwright, Marlowe was a superstar among his contemporaries: easily the most popular and envied writer in the country. All his plays were successful, starting with 'Tamburlaine the Great: Part One' which was soon produced after he graduated from Cambridge.

Initially, he wrote for a play company known as 'The Admiral's Men' who performed at James Burbage's 'The Theatre' in Shoreditch. Later, in 1589, 'The Admiral's Men' merged with 'Lord Strange's Men' (who employed a young William Shakespeare as a writer and reviser of plays). Thus, Marlowe would have come into contact with Shakespeare on a daily basis, and there is some evidence to suggest that Marlowe collaborated with him on parts of the 'Henry VI' trilogy as well as 'Titus Andronicus'.

In 1591, a dispute over finances led 'The Admiral's-Lord Strange's Men' to leave Burbage and join Philip Henslowe's theatre 'The Rose' at Bankside. The following years saw Marlowe's fame grow to record heights. For example, 'The Admiral's-Lord Strange's Men' performed at court 6 times from December 1591 - February 1592. In the public theatres, some of Marlowe's plays were staged 6 days a week and lasted for a run of 18 weeks or more.

As a spy, Marlowe could have been utilized in many capacities. One of the most common duties for a spy was the transport of important documents between nations. This was dangerous work and often required the use of disguises. For example, a Spanish courier traveling through Scotland posed as a dentist and carried secret letters in a hidden compartment in his bag. Spies were also known to conceal messages by having them sewn into the buttons of their coats. Ultimately, this was a world rife with secret codes, subterfuges, and notes written in invisible ink.

Another common duty of spies was the infiltration of suspicious groups. Since Marlowe belonged to the trusted inner circles of political figures known for their radical beliefs (i.e., Lord Strange, Lord Northumberland, and Sir Walter Raleigh), it is possible he may have acted as an informant for the government.

Marlowe's main link to the spy network was likely through Thomas Walsingham, his patron. Walsingham was the cousin of Sir Francis Walsingham, the Queen's chief advisor and spymaster.

Home

Norton Folgate - a village on the Northern outskirts of London. Norton Folgate was a relatively pleasant settlement surrounded by fields. However, Shoreditch was nearby. Shoreditch's name is derived from the words sewer-ditch. It was a 'liberty', which meant that it lay outside the authority of London authorities (e.g., the Sheriff, Alderman, and Lord Mayor). Hence, Shoreditch was a haven for cut-purses, vagabonds, drunkards, alehouses, stews of prostitutes, gaming dens, and bear-baiting pits. It also held a theatre and was populated by many actors, writers, etc.

The Marlowe Family House, Canterbury - on occasion, Marlowe visited at the family home and spent time with his parents . The house no longer stands.

Scadbury Manor, Chislehurst, Kent - the home of Marlowe's patron, Thomas Walsingham. Marlowe probably wrote the majority of 'Hero and Leander' while staying as a guest. He was arrested here on May 18th and thereafter taken before the Privy Council under charges of atheism.

Economic Status

Probably poor. Although he wore expensive clothes, he owned no property of significance and it is likely that all his plays, patrons, and intelligence work actually paid very little. As a playwright, it was necessary to own part of a theatre to make any real money (as Shakespeare eventually did - he owned a share of 'The Globe').

Perhaps this explains why Marlowe resorted to counterfeiting money in Flushing?

Marital Status

Single.

There are plentiful rumors and debates over his sexuality. Some of the criminal evidence collected against him suggests he may have been homosexual (though the term itself was unknown in Elizabethan times).

Religious Beliefs

A rumored atheist.

Although raised in a religious background, he seems to have turned on Christianity with a vengeance during his student years at Cambridge. Later in life, he even belonged to intellectual circles widely suspected of being 'freethinkers': people who questioned the validity of traditional beliefs.

Whether or not he was a true atheist may be debatable, but his plays certainly show a marked lack of reverence for contemporary religious movements and beliefs.

Criminal Record

18th September, 1589 - arrested in Hogg Lane, Shoreditch for a swordfight with William Bradley (an occasional playwright). Bradley died at the scene from wounds inflicted. Also arrested was Thomas Watson who came to Marlowe's aid (it was Watson who actually struck and killed Bradley).

Previously, Bradley was known to the police for quarrelling. He owned money to both Watson and John Alleyn (brother of Edward Alleyn, the star actor of 'The Admiral's Men') and had refused to pay - this was possibly the cause of the fight.

Neither Marlowe nor Watson fled the scene (leaving was an admission of guilt and could result in hanging). Both men were held in Newgate Prison until Marlowe secured bail 12 days later and the Coroner dismissed the charges against Watson on the grounds of self-defense.

26th January, 1592 - arrested and deported from Flushing (a Dutch harbor town) on the charge of counterfeiting English and Dutch coins. Also deported was Gifford Gilbert, a goldsmith who assisted in the counterfeiting. Sir Robert Sidney, the governor of Flushing, sent a note to Lord Burghley detailing the crime. The charges were lodged by Richard Baines, another spy who shared the same chamber as Marlowe and Gilbert. Both Kit and Baines accused each other of counterfeiting and intending to defect to Spain and Rome. However, although Marlowe was due to see Lord Burghley on his return, as soon as he reached England the charges were dismissed.

9th May, 1592 - bound to keep the peace by constable Allen Nichols and subconstable Nicholas Elliot. Fined 20 pounds. This charge could have resulted from something relatively minor, such as swearing, pushing, or brandishing a weapon.

September, 1592 - arrested for assaulting William Corkine (a tailor) with a stick and dagger. The case was settled out of court.

Sunday, 20th May, 1593 - arrested on suspicion of atheism. He appeared before members of the Privy Council at Nonsuch Palace in Surrey. He wasn't charged or kept under arrest, but his daily attendance on the court was required thereafter. This could simply mean checking in with one of councilors (not necessarily the whole court). Of course, before the court resolved his case, he was killed in Deptford...

Plays & Poetry

Plays:

1586 - 'The Tragedy of Dido, Queen of Carthage' (with Thomas Nashe)

1587 - 'Tamburlaine the Great: Part One'

1587 - 'Tamburlaine the Great: Part Two'

1589 - 'The Jew of Malta'

1589 or 1593 - 'The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus'

1592 - 'Edward the Second'

1593 - 'The Massacre at Paris'

Poetry:

1580's - Lucan's 'Pharsalia' (translation)

1580's - Ovid's 'Elegies' (translation)

1580's - 'The Passionate Shepherd to His Love'

1593 - 'Hero and Leander' (unfinished)

Legacy

Marlowe's legacy touches on three main areas: an advancement of English literature; a revelation of the Elizabethan spy world; and an example of artistic courage.

Advancement of English Literature

Marlowe's work was revolutionary from the start. He attacked the established order of dramatic production and mocked the stale technique of rhyming used by contemporary playwrights. Consider his prologue to 'Tamburlaine the Great: Part One':

"From jigging veins of riming mother wits

And such conceits as clownage keeps in pay

We'll lead you to the stately tent of war

Where you shall hear the Scythian Tamburlaine

Threatening the world with high astounding terms

And scourging kingdoms with his conquering sword."

Thus, with his earliest play, Marlowe entered history as the first major English dramatist to use blank verse and reveal its potential as one of the most effective, poetic forms in theatre. From then onwards, blank verse quickly became the standard dramatic form for the entire renaissance period. Centuries later, Swinburne commented that Marlowe is the greatest discoverer, the most daring and inspired pioneer, in all our poetic literature. Before him there was neither genuine blank verse nor a genuine tragedy in our language.

Marlowe is also significant as the only contemporary writer to influence Shakespeare. Not only did he collaborate with Shakespeare on his early plays, but he provided the Bard with an inspired example to follow long after his death. As Tennyson once remarked: If Shakespeare is the dazzling sun of this mighty period, Marlowe is certainly the morning star. Marlowe's work brought an unprecedented complexity to Elizabethan tragedy and poetry - his sonorous language, rich characters, and daring moral themes pushed English literature toward new, unscaled heights of artistic achievement.

Revelation of the Elizabethan Spy World

Although much still lies undiscovered, Marlowe's dramatic death has helped to stimulate great public and scholarly interest in the spy networks organized under Elizabeth. New documents continue to be discovered by those investigating Marlowe's demise, and every spark of information helps to enlighten this shadowy area of English history.

Artistic Courage

Marlowe lived in a time steeped in religious persecution, political abuse, state censorship, torture, and execution. Yet unlike many of his contemporaries, he was not prepared to compromise, to cooperate, to concede - he pursued his art in defiance of the limitations of his society and challenged others to do the same.

In an era of absolute religion, he mocked the gods. In an age of totalitarian control, he asserted the individual's right to choose his own destiny.

As long as freedom is curtailed, and art is maligned, and thought is crushed throughout the world, Marlowe's work and spirit will continue to hold relevance...

Sources:

Christopher Marlowe. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 2010. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 27 June 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index/.php?title=ChristopherMarlowe&oldid=140515466

G.C. Moore Smith. Marlowe at Cambridge. The Modern Language Review Vol. 4, No. 2 (Jan., 1909): 167-177.

Gray, Austin K. Some Observations on Christopher Marlowe, Government Agent. PMLA, Vol. 43, No. 3 (Sept., 1928): 682-700.

Keefer, Michael. Introduction. Christopher Marlowe's Doctor Faustus. By Christopher Marlowe. Ed. Michael Keefer. Peterborough, Ontario: Broadview Literary Texts, 1991.

Kuriyama, Constance Brown. Christopher Marlowe: A Renaissance Life. Ithaca, New York: Cornell University Press, 2002.

The Life of Christopher Marlowe. Southwest College. 2007. Houston Community College System. 21 June 2007. http://swc2.hccs.cc.tx.us/rowhtml/faust/marlowe.htm

Marlowe and Kyd. The Cambridge History of English and American Literature in 18 Volumes. Volume V. New York: G.P Putnam's Sons, 1907-1921. Bartelby.com 2005. http://bartelby.com/cambridge/

Marlowe, Christopher. Encyclopedia Britannica. 2007. Encyclopedia Britannica Online. 21 June 2007. http://search.eb.com/eb/article-4631

Nicholls, Charles. The Reckoning: The Murder of Christopher Marlowe. Illinois: University of Chicago Press, 1995.

Swinburne, Algernon Charles. Christopher Marlowe. Encyclopedia Britannica, 11th Ed. Vol XVII. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1910. 744.

Wernham, R.B. Christopher Marlowe at Flushing in 1592. The English Historical Review, Vol. 91, No. 359 (April, 1976): 344-345.

ASSOCIATES

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Edward Alleyn

Star actor of 'The Admiral's-Lord Strange's Men'. Many of Marlowe's principal roles were written especially for him.

Richard Baines

A chamber fellow of Marlowe's in Flushing, 1592. He denounced Marlowe for counterfeiting and later delivered a series of charges to the Privy Council concerning Marlowe's alleged atheism.

Baines was a rector of Waltham Abbey Church, but he is chiefly remembered as a spy in Sir Francis Walsingham's espionage network.

Eleanor Bull (Widow)

Owner of the meeting house in Deptford where Marlowe was killed. She rented rooms of the house out to guests and possibly served as a caterer to upscale parties.

A cousin of Blanche Parry, the Queen's Chief Gentlewoman of the Privy Chamber. Parry's will left money to both Widow Bull and Lord Burghley, proving an indirect connection between the two.

William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley

Lord High Treasurer and chief advisor to the Queen.

After Sir Francis Walsingham died, he formed his own spy network in rivalry with Lord Essex.

He employed Robert Poley, and most likely Marlowe.

He was a member of the Privy Council.

Richard Cholmeley

A government spy, possibly in the employment of Lord Essex. He specialized in detecting and capturing Catholics.

On March 19th, 1593 a warrant was issued for his arrest on the charge of planning treason as the leader of a gang of 60 men. The charges against him also state that he believed Marlowe was an atheist and that Marlowe had delivered an atheist lecture to prominent government officials.

He turned himself over to the authorities on 28th June, 1593.

William Danby

Coroner to the Royal Household.

Since the Queen held court in Greenwich at the time Marlowe died, Deptford fell 'within the verge' (less than 12 miles from the Queen's presence). Thus, Danby officiated over the inquest and accepted Ingram Frizer's claim of self-defense.

Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex

After Sir Francis Walsingham's death, he entered into a rivalry with Lord Burghley and formed his own circle of spies in service to Elizabeth.

He was a member of the Privy Council and had links to Richard Cholmeley.

Elizabeth I, Queen of England

A major fan of Marlowe's plays. She regularly had his work performed at court by 'The Admiral's-Lord Strange's Men'.

Ingram Frizer

Personal secretary to Thomas Walsingham.

A known schemer and con-artist in league with Nicholas Skeres. He participated in many lawsuits (as a plaintiff) and was convincing enough on the stand to win most cases.

Remembered as the man who killed Marlowe in a fight in a meeting house, Deptford.

Robert Greene

A pamphleteer and playwright.

He bitterly attacked the modern trends in Elizabethan theatre, sniping at both Shakespeare and Marlowe. In 'Greene's Groats-Worth of Wit Bought with a Million of Repentance' he criticized Shakespeare as an upstart crow. He also moaned about the mad and scoffing poets... bred of Merlin's race and labeled the character of Tamburlaine as an atheist.

Thomas Kyd

A fellow playwright at The Rose. Author of 'The Spanish Tragedy', one of the most popular plays of the renaissance era.

Under torture, he denounced Marlowe as an atheist.

He never fully recovered from the trauma endured on the rack and died early (36 yrs old).

Thomas Nashe

A famous pamphleteer and poet. He was a fellow student of Marlowe's at Cambridge, and probably collaborated with Marlowe on 'The Tragedy of Dido, Queen of Carthage'.

He also wrote an elegy for 'Hero and Leander', now lost.

Henry Percy, 9th Earl of Northumberland

Marlowe's patron.

Both his father and grandfather were punished for heresy (they were Catholics).

He was passionate about learning and amassed one of the largest libraries in the realm. He was also rumored to be a member of the 'School of Night', a circle of radical intellectuals that included Sir Walter Raleigh and Lord Strange, among others.

Robert Poley

A senior spy in the service of Sir Francis Walsingham (he served over 2 decades).

Frequently used as a messenger of secret documents to Scotland and the Low Countries. He participated in numerous operations, and was the principal spy involved in entrapping and capturing the conspirators of the Babington plot. Afterwards, he was promoted to operational chief in charge of a small spy network in the Low Countries.

Present at Marlowe's death in Deptford (although officially he was meant to be delivering documents abroad).

Sir Walter Raleigh

A friend of Marlowe's through Lord Northumberland. He was widely thought to be an atheist and there are rumors that he and Marlowe conversed critically on the subject.

William Shakespeare

Born the same year as Marlowe (1564), but lacked a higher education and took longer to develop his talent. He and Marlowe would have come into daily contact with each other as they both worked for the same theatre company ('The Admiral's-Lord Strange's Men') in the early 1590's.

There is evidence to suggest Marlowe collaborated with Shakespeare on the 'Henry VI' trilogy and 'Titus Andronicus'.

Shakespeare makes open reference to Marlowe in 'As You Like It'.

Nicholas Skeres

An accomplice to Ingram Frizer and a known thief and schemer.

Also a spy in the service of Sir Francis Walsingham, involved in delivering secret documents. He had a minor part in exposing the Babington Plot.

Present at Marlowe's death in Deptford.

Ferdinando Stanley, 5th Earl of Derby (A.K.A. Lord Strange)

Marlowe's patron.

An extremely wealthy and sociable patron of the arts.

Lord Strange's cousin was a traitor who tried to convince him to seize the throne from Elizabeth. Instead, he refused and unveiled the plot.

He died young (34 yrs old) in mysterious circumstances - many scholars think he was poisoned in retaliation for revealing the conspiracy against the Queen.

Audrey Walsingham

Wife of Thomas Walsingham, Marlowe's patron.

Maiden name: Shelton - an old and distinguished family, indirectly related to Anne Boleyn (the Queen's mother).

Several of her relatives held positions at court, and she eventually rose to become one of Elizabeth's Gentlewomen of the Privy Chamber (a favorite).

Lord Burghley's son, Sir Robert Cecil, was rumored to be her lover.

Thomas Walsingham

Marlowe's patron and a wealthy landowner.

Cousin of Sir Francis Walsingham and involved in espionage work - first, as a messenger of secret documents; then as a middle-man between his cousin and rank-and-file spies.

Thomas Watson

A renowned poet and playwright during the 1580's-1590's. He knew Richard Baines and the Walsinghams.

He assisted Marlowe in a sword fight in Hogg Lane, Shoreditch against William Bradley. He killed Bradley, but was cleared of all charges on the grounds of self-defense.

John Whitgift, Archbishop of Canterbury

A notoriously intolerant Archbishop who led a vigorous campaign against religious heresy, particularly against Puritanism. He punished non-conforming ministers, executed numerous heretics, and publically burnt unorthodox texts (including Marlowe's translation of Ovid's 'Elegies').

He was a member of the Privy Council.

He was also Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University, and undoubtedly played a role in the university's attempt to deny Marlowe his M.A. in 1587.

Sources:

Keefer, Michael. Introduction. Christopher Marlowe's Doctor Faustus. By Christopher Marlowe. Ed. Michael Keefer. Peterborough, Ontario: Broadview Literary Texts, 1991.

Kuriyama, Constance Brown. Christopher Marlowe: A Renaissance Life. Ithaca, New York: Cornell University Press, 2002.

The Life of Christopher Marlowe. Southwest College. 2007. Houston Community College System. 21 June 2007. http://swc2.hccs.cc.tx.us/rowhtml/faust/marlowe.htm

Marlowe, Christopher. Encyclopedia Britannica. 2010. Encyclopedia Britannica Online. 21 June 2007. http://search.eb.com/eb/article-4631

Nicholls, Charles. The Reckoning: The Murder of Christopher Marlowe. Illinois: University of Chicago Press, 1995.

PRIMARY SOURCES

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June 29th, 1587 -- Privy Council Note To Cambridge Authorities

When Cambridge University tried to deny awarding Marlowe his M.A. because of excessive class absences, Her Majesty's Privy Council intervened on his behalf with an official letter.

June 29th, 1587.

Whereas it was reported that Christopher Morley was determined to have gone beyond the seas to Reames and there to remaine; their Lordships thought good to certefie that he had no such intent, but that in all his accions he had behaved him selfe orderlie and discreetlie, wherebie he had done her Majestie good service and deserved to be rewarded for his faithfull dealinge: their Lordships request was that the rumor thereof should be allaied by all possible means, and that he should be furthered in the degree he was to take this next Commencement: Because it was not her Majesties pleasure that anie one emploid as he had been in matters touching the benefitt of his Countrie should be defamed by those that are ignorant in th' affaires he went about.

January 26th, 1592 -- The Flushing Letter

Marlowe was arrested and deported from Flushing (a Dutch harbor town) on the charge of counterfeiting English and Dutch coins. The charge was originally lodged by Richard Baines (a government spy). In this letter, Sir Robert Sidney (the governor of Flushing) informs Lord Burghley of the crime.

Right Honorable

Besides the prisoner Evan Flud, I have also given in charge to this bearer my anciant twoe other prisoners, the one named Christofer Marly, by his profession a scholer, and the other Gifford Gilbert a goldsmith taken heer for coining, and their money I have sent over unto yowr Lo:

The matter was revealed unto me the day after it was done, by one Ri: Baines whome also my Anciant shal bring unto yowr Lo: He was theyr chamber fellow and fearing the succes, made me acquainted with all. The men being examined apart never denied anything, onely protesting that what was done was onely to se the Goldsmiths conning: and truly I ame of opinion that the poore man was onely browght in under that couler, what ever intent the other twoe had at that time. And indeed they do one accuse another to have bin the inducers of him, and to have intended to practis yt heerafter: and have as it were justified him unto me. But howsoever it hapned a dutch shilling was uttred, and els not any peece: and indeed I do not thinck that they would have uttred many of them: for the mettal is plain peuter and with half an ey to be discovered. Notwithstanding I thowght it fitt to send them over unto yowr Lo: to take theyr trial as yow shal thinck best. For I wil not stretch my commission to deale in such matters, and much less to put them at liberty and to deliver them into the towns hands being the Queens subiects, and not required neyther of this sayd town I knowe not how it would have bin liked, especially since part of that which they did counterfet was Her Ma: coine. The Goldsmith is an eccellent worckman and if I should speake my conscience had no intent heerunto. The scholer sais himself to be very wel known both to the Earle of Northumberland and my lord Strang. Bains and he do also accuse one another of intent to goe to the Ennemy or to Rome, both as they say of malice one to another. Heerof I thowght fitt to advertis yowr Lo: leaving the rest to their own confession and my Anciants report. And so do humbly take my leave at Flushing the 26 of January 1591.

Your honors very obedient to yow service

R. Sydney

Addressed To the right honorable my lord of Burghley [lo]rd Treasurer of England.

Endorsed 26 Jan. 1591. Sir Robert Sidney to my L. He sendes over by this bearer his Aunteint once Evan Lloyd, and 2 others Christopher Marly and Gifford Gilbert a goldsmithe taken for coynage, to be tryed here for that fact. There hath bene only one dutch shilling uttered, the mettall playne peuter.

March 19th, 1593 -- Charges Against Richard Cholmeley

The charges in this document primarily incriminate Richard Cholmeley (a government spy) as a traitor. However, they also implicate Marlowe as an atheist.

"Remembraunces of wordes & matters against Ric Cholmeley.

That hee speaketh in generall all evill of the Counsell; sayenge that they are all Atheistes & Machiavillians, especially my Lord Admirall

That hee made certen libellious verses in Commendacen of papistes & Seminary priestes very greately inveighinge againste the State, amonge which lynes this was one, Nor may the Prince deny the Papall Crowne

That hee had a certen booke (as hee saieth) deliverd him by Sir Robert Cecill of whom hee geveth very scandalous reporte, that hee should invite him to consider thereof & to frame verses & libells in Commendacen of constant Priests & vertuous Recusants, this booke is in Custodie & is called an Epistle of Comforte & is printed at Paris.

That he railes at Mr Topcliffe & hath written another libell Joyntlye againste Sir Francis Drake & Justice younge whom hee saieth hee will Couple vp together because hee hateth them alike

That when the muteny happened after the Portingale voyage in the Strand hee said that hee repented him of nothinge more then that hee had not killed my Lord Threasorer with his owne handes sayenge that hee could not have done god better service, this was spoken in the hearinge of Franncis Clerke & many other Souldieres

That hee saieth hee doeth entirely hate the Lord Chamberleyn & hath good cause so to doe.

That he saieth & verely beleveth that one Marlowe is able to showe more sounde reasons for Atheisme then any devine in Englande is able to geve to prove devinitie & that Marloe tolde him that hee hath read the Atheist lecture to Sir walter Raliegh & others.

That he saieth that hee hath certen men corrupted by his persuasions, who wilbee ready at all tymes & for all causes to sweare whatsoever seemeth good to him, Amonge whom is one Henry younge & Jasper Borage & others

That hee so highly esteemeth his owne witt & Judgement that hee saieth that noman are sooner devyned & abused then the Counsell themselves

That hee can goe beyonde & Cosen them as hee liste & that if hee make any Complainte in behalfe of the Queene hee shall not onely bee privately heard & enterteyned, but hee will so vrge the Counsell for money that without hee have what hee liste hee will doe nothinge

That beinge imployed by some of her majestys prevy Counsaile for the apprehension of Papists & other dangerous men hee vsed he saieth to take money of them & would lett them passe in spighte of the Counsell.

That he saieth that william Parry was hanged drawen & quartered but in Jeste that hee was a grosse Asse overreached by Cunninge, & that in trueth hee now meante to kill the Queene more then himselfe had."

May 5th, 1593 -- Dutch Church Libel

Between 11pm-12am a particularly violent libel was posted at the Dutch Church on Broad Street, London. The libel made frequent reference to Marlowe's plays ('The Jew of Malta' and 'The Massacre of Paris') and was signed 'Tamburlaine'.

Ye strangers yt doe inhabite in this lande

Note this same writing doe it vnderstand

Conceit it well for savegard of your lyves

Your goods, your children, & your dearest wives

Your Machiavellian Marchant spoyles the state,

Your vsery doth leave vs all for deade

Your Artifex, & craftesman works our fate,

And like the Jewes, you eate us vp as bread

The Marchant doth ingross all kinde of wares

Forestall’s the markets, whereso ’ere he goe’s

Sends forth his wares, by Pedlers to the faires,

Retayle’s at home, & with his horrible showes: Vndoeth thowsands

In Baskets your wares trott up & downe

Carried the streets by the country nation,

You are intelligencers to the state & crowne

And in your hartes doe wish an alteracion,

You transport goods, & bring vs gawds good store

Our Leade, our Vittaile, our Ordenance & what nott

That Egipts plagues, vext not the Egyptians more

Then you doe vs; then death shall be your lotte

Noe prize comes in but you make claime therto

And every merchant hath three trades at least,

And Cutthrote like in selling you vndoe

vs all, & with our store continually you feast: We cannot suffer long.

Our pore artificers doe starve & dye

For yt they cannot now be sett on worke

And for your worke more curious to the ey[.]

In Chambers, twenty in one house will lurke,

Raysing of rents, was never knowne before

Living farre better then at native home

And our pore soules, are cleane thrust out of dore

And to the warres are sent abroade to rome,

To fight it out for Fraunce & Belgia,

And dy like dogges as sacrifice for you

Expect you therefore such a fatall day

Shortly on you, & yours for to ensewe: as never was seene.

Since words nor threates nor any other thinge

canne make you to avoyd this certaine ill

Weele cutte your throtes, in your temples praying

Not paris massacre so much blood did spill

As we will doe iust vengeance on you all

In counterfeitinge religion for your flight

When ’t’is well knowne, you are loth, for to be thrall

your coyne, & you as countryes cause to flight

With Spanish gold, you all are infected

And with yt gould our Nobles wink at feats

Nobles said I? nay men to be reiected,

Upstarts yt enioy the noblest seates

That wound their Countries brest, for lucres sake

And wrong our gracious Queene & Subiects good

By letting strangers make our harts to ake

For which our swords are whet, to shedd their blood

And for a truth let it be vnderstoode/Fly, Flye, & never returne.

per. Tamberlaine

May, 1593 -- Thomas Kyd's Claims Against Marlowe

On May 12, Kyd's rooms were searched and documents denying the deity of Jesus Christ were found in his possession. Immediately, he was arrested and imprisoned on charges of atheism. Under pain of torture, he named Marlowe as the owner of the heretical documents and denounced Marlowe as an atheist.

Although Kyd's charges were lodged before May 30th, the original document has now been lost. However, this document is a transcript of Kyd's original charges and was made in 1593, sometime after May 30th (it refers to Marlowe's death).

Pleaseth it your honorable Lordship toching marlowes monstruous opinions as I but with an agreved conscience think on him or them so can I but particulariz fewe in the respect of them that kept him greater company, Howbeit in discharg of dutie both towards god your Lps & the world thus much haue I thought good breiflie to discouer in all humblenes.

First it was his custom when I knew him first & as I heare saie he contynewd it in table talk or otherwise to iest at the devine scriptures gybe at praiers, & stryve in argument to frustrate & confute what hath byn spoke or wrytt by prophets & such holie men.

1 He would report St John to be our savior Christes Alexis I cover it with reverence and trembling that is that Christ did loue him with an extraordinary loue.

2 That for me to wryte a poem of St Paules conversion as I was determined he said wold be as if I shold go wryte a book of fast & loose, esteeming Paul a Jugler.

3 That the prodigall Childes portion was but fower nobles, he held his purse so neere the bottom in all pictures, and that it either was a iest or els fowr nobles then was thought a great patrimony not thinking it a parable.

4 That things esteemed to be donn by devine power might haue aswell been don by observation of men all which he wold so sodenlie take slight occasion to slyp out as I & many others in regard of his other rashnes in attempting soden pryvie iniuries to men did ouerslypp though often reprehend him for it & for which god is my witnes aswell by my lordes comamandment as in hatred of his life & thoughts I left & did refraine his companie.

He wold perswade with men of quallitie to goe vnto the King of Scotts whether I heare Royden is gon and where if he had liud he told me when I sawe him last he meant to be.

May 27th, 1593 -- The Baines Note

While Marlowe was still making daily attendances on the Court of the Star Chamber, Richard Baines supplied the Privy Council with a note describing Marlowe's blasphemies.

A note Containing the opinion of on Christopher Marly Concerning his damnable [opini] Judgment of Religion, and scorn of Gods work.

That the Indians and many Authors of antiquity haue assuredly writen of aboue 16 thousand yeares agone wheras [Moyses] Adam is [said] proued to haue lived within 6 thowsand yeares.

He affirmeth that Moyses was but a Jugler & that one Heriots being Sir W Raleighs man Can do more than he.

That Moyses made the Jewes to travell x1 yeares in the wildernes, (which Jorney might haue bin done in lesse then one yeare) ere they Came to the promised land to thintent that those who were privy to most of his subtilities might perish and so an everlasting superstition Remain in the hartes of the people.

That the first beginning of Religioun was only to keep men in awe.

That it was an easy matter for Moyses being brought up in all the artes of the Egiptians to abuse the Jewes being a rude & grosse people.

That Christ was a bastard and his mother dishonest.

That he was the sonne of a Carpenter, and that if the Jewes among whome he was borne did Crucify him theie best know him and whence he Came.

That Crist deserved better to dy then Barrabas and that the Jewes made a good Choise, though Barrabas was both a theif and a murtherer.

That if there be any god or any good Religion, then it is in the papistes because the service of god is performed with more Cerimonies, as Elevation of the mass, organs, singing men, Shaven Crownes & ca. That all potestantes are Hypocritical asses.

That if he were put to write a new Religion, he would vndertake both a more Exellent and Admirable methode and that all the new testament is filthily written.

That the woman of Samaria & her sister were whores & that Crist know them dishonestly.

That St John the Evangelist was bedfellow to Christ and leaned alwaies in his bosome, that he vsed him as the sinners of Sodoma.

That all they that loue not Tobacco & Boies were fooles.

That all the apostles were fishermen and base fellowes neyther of wit nor worth, that Paull only had wit but he was a timerous fellow in bidding men to be subiect to magistrates against his Conscience.

That he had as good Right to Coine as the Queen of England, and that he was aquanited with one Poole a prisoner in Newgate who hath greate skill in mixture of mettals and hauing learned some thinges of him he ment through help of a Cunninge stamp maker to Coin ff rench Crownes pistoletes and English shillinges.

That if Christ would haue instituted the sacrament with more Ceremoniall Reverence it would haue bin had in more admiration, that it would haue bin much better being administred in a Tobacco pipe.

That the Angell Gabriell was baud to the holy ghost, because he brought the salutation to Mary.

That on Ric Cholmley [hath Cholmley] hath Confessed that he was perswaded by Marlow's Reasons to become an Atheist.

These thinges, with many other shall by good & honest witnes be aproved to be his opinions and Comon Speeches and that this Marlow doth not only hould them himself, but almost into every Company he Cometh he perswadse men to Atheism willing them not be be afeard of bugbeares and hobgoblins, and vtterly scooning both god and his ministers as 1 Richard Baines will Justify and approue both by mine oth and the testimony of many honest men, and almost al men with whome he hath conversed any time will testify the same, and As I think all men in Cristianity ought to indevor that the mouth of/so dangerous a member may be stopped, he saith likewise that he hath quoted annumber of Contrarieties oute of the Scripture which he hath giuen to some great men who in Convenient time shall be named. When these thinges shalbe Called in question the witnes shalbe produced.

June 1st, 1593 -- Coroner Danby's Report

The official verdict of the inquest into Marlowe's death at Deptford.

"KENT/INQUISITION Indented taken at Detford Strand in the aforesaid County of Kent within the verge on the first day of June in the year of the reign of Elizabeth by the grace of God of England France and Ireland Queen defender of the faith &c thirtyfifth, in the presence of William Danby, Gentleman, Coroner of the household of our said lady the Queen, upon view of the body of Christopher Morley, there lying dead & slain, upon oath of Nicholas Draper, Gentleman, Wolstan Randall, gentleman, William Curry, Adrian Walker, John Barber, Robert Baldwyn, Giles ffeld, George Halfepenny, Henry Awger, James Batt, Henry Bendyn, Thomas Batt senior, John Baldwyn, Alexander Burrage, Edmund Goodcheepe, & Henry Dabyns who say [upon] their oath that:

Ingram ffrysar, late of London, Gentleman, and the aforesaid Christopher Morley, and Nicholas Skeres, late of London, Gentleman, and Robert Poley of London aforesaid, Gentleman, on the thirtieth of May in the aforesaid thirtyfifth year, at the aforesaid Detford Strand in the aforesaid County of Kent within the verge about the tenth hour before noon of the same day met together in a room in the house of a certain Eleanor Bull, widow; & there passed the time together & dined & after dinner were in quiet sort together & walked in the garden belonging to the said house until the sixth hour after noon of the same day & then returned from the said garden to the room aforesaid & there together and in company supped;

& after supper the said Ingram & Christopher Morley were in speech & uttered one to the other divers malicious words for the reason that they could not be at one nor agree about the payment of the sum of pence, that is le recknynge, there;

& the said Christopher Morley then lying upon a bed in the room where they supped, & moved with anger against the said Ingram ffrysar upon the words aforesaid spoken between them, and the said Ingram then & there sitting in the room aforesaid with his back towards the bed where the said Christopher Morley was then lying, sitting near the bed, that is, nere the bed, & with the front part of his body towards the table & the aforesaid Nicholas Skeres & Robert Poley sitting on either side of the said Ingram in such a manner that the same Ingram ffrysar in no wise could take flight;

it so befell that the said Christopher Morley on a sudden & of his malice towards the said Ingram aforethought, then & there maliciously drew the dagger of the said Ingram which was at his back, and with the same dagger the said Christopher Morley then & there maliciously gave the aforesaid Ingram two wounds on his head of the length of two inches & of the depth of a quarter of an inch;

where-upon the said Ingram, in fear of being slain, & sitting in the manner aforesaid between the said Nicholas Skeres & Robert Poley so that he could not in any wise get away, in his own defence & for the saving of his life, then & there struggled with the said Christopher Morley to get back from him his dagger aforesaid; in which affray the same Ingram could not get away from the said Christopher Morley;

& so it befell in that affray that the said Ingram, in defence of his life, with the dagger aforesaid to the value of 12d, gave the said Christopher then & there a mortal wound over his right eye of the depth of two inches & of the width of one inch; of which mortal wound the aforesaid Christopher Morley then & there instantly died;

& so the Jurors aforesaid say upon their oath that the said Ingram killed & slew Christopher Morley aforesaid on the thirtieth day of May in the thirtyfifth year named above at Detford Strand aforesaid within the verge in the room aforesaid within the verge in the manner and form aforesaid in the defence and saving of his own life, against the peace of our said lady the Queen, her now crown & dignity;

And further the said Jurors say upon their oath that the said Ingram after the slaying aforesaid perpetrated & done by him in the manner & form aforesaid neither fled nor withdrew himself;

But what goods or chattels, lands or tenements the said Ingram had at the time of the slaying aforesaid, done and perpetrated by him in the manner & form aforesaid, the said Jurors are totally ignorant."

In witness of which thing the said Coroner as well as the Jurors aforesaid to this Inquisition have interchangeably set their seals.

Given the day & year above named &c.

by WILLIAM DANBY Coroner."

June 12th, 1593 -- The Business of Robert Poley

This letter, signed by the Queen's Vice-Chamberlain, certifies that Robert Poley (a government spy) was employed on government business between May 8th - June 8th. Hence, it officially silences questions about his detour in Deptford on May 30th where he was present at Marlowe's death.

The article specific to Marlowe's death is #16.

1. To Roberte Poolye gent uppon a warrant signed by Mr Secretary Walsingham dated at the Courte xxvij December 1588 for bringeinge lettres in poste for her majesties affaires from the King of Denmark to the Courte at Richmonde - xv.

2. To Robte Poley uppon a warrant signed by Mr Secretary Walsingham dated at Nonesuche viij July 1589 for Carryeinge of lettres in poste for her Majesties afaires to seueral places in Holland and retourninge with like lettres to the Courte againe - xij.

3. To Robte Polie upon a warrant signed by Mr vicechamberlaine dated xxiij ffebr 1589 for Carrienge lettres to Barwicke for her Majesties speciall affaires and returninge from there in like poste to the Courte at Greenwich - x.

4. To Robte Polie upon a warrant signed by Mr. Vicechamberlaine dated xxiij Julij 1590 for bringinge lettres in poste concerninge her Majesties speciall Service from fflushinge and sondrie other places in the Lowe Countries - x.

5. To Roberte Poolye uppon a warraunte signed by Mr vicechamberleyne dated at Richmonde xxij Decembrie 1590 for careinge of lettres in poste for her Majesties service from the Courte at Richmonde to Ostend in the Lowe Countryes & retourninge with lettres of lyke service - x.

6. To Robte Poolye uppon a warraunte signed by Mr vicechamberleyne dated at the Courte xx May 1591 for careinge letters in poste for her Majesties affayres to the town of Barwycke & retourninge with letters of aunswere - x.

7. To Roberte Poolie upon a warrant signed by Mr Vicechamberlaine dated at the Courte xx December 1591 for Carryenge letters in poste for her Majesties speciall Service from the Courte at Whitehall to the Towne of Barwicke, for his attendaunce there upon the saide Service by the space of viij dayes and for returninge to the Courte at Whitehall with like lettres in poste the xviij of the same Mooneth - x.

8. To Robte Poolie upon a warrant signed by the Lord Treasurer dated at Whitehall v Martij 1591 for Carrienge of lettres in poste for her Majesties speciall affairs from the Courte at Whitehall primo Martij 1591 to the towne of Brussells in the Lowe Countries - x.

9. To Robte Poolye upon a warrant signed by Mr vicechamberlaine dated at the Courte xxiij Junij 1592 for his Chargs and paynes in Carrienge of lettres in poste for her Majesties speciall Service from the Courte at Greenwich the firste of June 1592 to the Town of Barwicke and his staye there and returninge with like lettres to the Courte at Greenewich the xij of this Mooneth - x.

10. To Roberte Pooley upon a warrant signed by Mr Vicechamberlaine dated at the Courte at Cicester iij Septembre 1592 for his Chargs and paines in Carryenge of letters in post Concerninge her Majesties speciall affaires of greate importaunnce from the Courte at Nonesuch to Antwerpe and from thence to diverse and sundrie placs in the Lowe Countries, and for his returne from thence with like lettres of Answeare to the Courte at Cicester the seconde of September 1592 - xxx.

11. To Roberte Pooley upon a warrant signed by Mr Vicechamberlaine dated at the Courte at Oxforde xxv September 1592 for his Chargs and paines in Carryenge of letters in post concerninge her highness speciall affaires from the Courte at Smedley Castle to Dover and for his returne with letters of Answeare to the Courte at Oxforde the xxiiij of September 1592 vj xiij iiij.

12. To Roberte Poolye uppon a warrant signed by Mr vicechamberleyne dated at Hampton Courte xvij December 1592 for his chardges and paynes in carryinge of lettres in poste for her heighnes speciall service of great importance from Hampton Courte into Scotlande to the Courte there, and for his attendaunce in the place and service, and rydeinge in sondrye places within that province by the space of twoe whole monethes, and for his retourne in the like poste with lettres of aunswere to Hampton Courte agayne the xiiij of December laste - xliij.

13. To Roberte Poolye uppon a warrant signed by Mr vicechamberleyne dated at Hampton Courte vj January 1592 for his paynes and expences for carryinge of lettres in poste for her highnes speciall service from Hampton Courte into Scotlande to the kinges Courte & for retourninge backe agayne in like poste with lettres of Aunswere vj January 1592 - xvj.

14. To Roberte Poolye uppon a warrant signed by Mr Vicechamberleyne dated at Hampton Courte xij ffebruary 1592 for carryinge of lettres in poste for her heighnes afaires of speciall ymportaunce from Hampton Courte unto Brussells in the Lowe Countryes - vj.

15. To Robte Poolye upon a warrant signed by Mr vicechamberleyne dated at the Courte xxiij Marcij 1592 for his paynes and expences for Carrying of lettres in poste for her heighnes speciall and secrett afayres of great importaunce into Scotlande to the kinges Courte there, and for retourninge backe agayne to the Courte at St James xxiij Marcij 1592 with lettres of aunswere - xxj.

16. To Roberte Poolye upon a warrant signed by Mr vicechamberleyne dated at the Courte xij die Junij 1593 for carryinge of lettres in poste for her Majesties speciall and secrete afaires of great ymportaunce from the Courte at Croyden the viij of Maye 1593 into the Lowe Countryes to the towne of the Hage in Hollande, and for retourninge backe againe with lettres of aunswere to the Courte at Nonesuche the viijth of June 1593 beinge in her majesties service all the aforesaid tyme - xxx.

17. To Roberte Poolye upon a warrant signed by Mr vicechamberleyne dated at the Courte xiiij Julij 1593, for Carryenge of lettres in poste Concerninge her heighnes speciall afaires from the Courte at Nonesuche into ffraunce to the towne of Bruxes to Mr Otwell Smyth her heighnes Agent there, and for his retourne backe agayne with like lettres of aunswere to the Courte at Otelandes - x.

18. To Robte Pooley gent upon a warrant signed by