Raymond Biswanger Slide Collection
William Shakespeare: 1598
(2 Henry IV) York, Yorkshire
The Archbishop of York, Richard Scroop, is a character in William Shakespeare's 1 Henry IV and 2 Henry IV. In 1 Henry IV the Archbishop appears only briefly, but reveals his plans for the rebellion that will be enacted in 2 Henry IV. In 2 Henry IV, he leads the rebels against the king. The plot is unsuccessful, and the Archbishop is eventually charged with treason and sentenced to death.The historical Archbishop had, in fact, been a supporter of the king up to 1405. After that, he and a few northern barons opposed the taxes levied by Henry IV against the rebels. He was not betrayed by his brother-in-law Northumberland, as depicted by Holinshed and Shakespeare. Instead, he failed because he commenced his campaign before his allies were ready, and was accordingly outnumbered by Henry IV's troops.
Tomb of Archbishop of York, Richard Scroop, York Minster, York, Yorkshire [28 April 1985]
