ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -The King’s Men is the acting company to which William Shakespeare (1564–1616) belonged for most of his career. Formerly known as the Lord Chamberlain’s Men during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, they became the King’s Men in 1603 when King James I ascended the throne and became the company’s patron.

Detailed explanation-2: -Once more it was known as Hunsdon’s Men, until their new patron himself took office as Lord Chamberlain in 1597. Thereafter, it was known as the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, until the accession of James I in March 1603, when, by letters patent, it was taken under royal patronage and henceforth known as the King’s Men.

Detailed explanation-3: -Formed at the end of a period of flux in the theatrical world of London, it had become, by 1603, one of the two leading companies of the city and was subsequently patronised by James I and renamed The King’s Men.

Detailed explanation-4: -When George Carey in turn became Lord Chamberlain on 17 March 1597, it reverted to its previous name. The company became the King’s Men in 1603 when King James ascended the throne and became the company’s patron. The company held exclusive rights to perform Shakespeare’s plays.

Detailed explanation-5: -By 1600 they had emerged as the leading theatrical company in London, and in 1603 became the King’s Men under a royal patent from James I. The company continued successfully until the closing of the theatres in 1642. On 19 May, 1603, the Lord Chamberlain’s Men became the King’s Men, and Letters Patent were issued.