A Patron of the Arts
Sir Rowland Hill, played a significant role in the development of theater and performance, both during his time as Lord Mayor and his secret work at Soulton Hall.
‘Old Sir Rowland’: Publisher of the Geneva Bible and insiration for AS YOU LIKE IT
His involvement in various theatrical activities and his connections to key figures in the literary world exposes his passion for the arts, and his clever use of them for statecraft.
Relaxing Theater Regulations
As Lord Mayor, Hill eased restrictions on theatrical performances.
This move contributed to the flourishing of London’s theater scene and provided opportunities for playwrights, actors, and audiences alike.
The Marching Watches
Hill collaborated with his friend and fellow Lord Mayor, Sir Thomas Gresham, to revive the Marching Watches, a colorful and festive tradition in London. These pageants featured thousands of citizens dressed in elaborate costumes, marching through the city to celebrate the Midsummer season.
Lady Long’s household-book from Hengrave, Suffolk, chronicles Hill’s participation in the Marching Watches.
Portrait of Henry VIII of England (Holbein) – Hill and the king watched teatre together in the City.
The document details how Hill watched these pageants alongside King Henry VIII and Queen Jane Seymour, and highlights the impressive display of over 300 demi-lances and light horsemen, as well as the thousands of participants who marched through the city.
The Modern Lord Mayor’s Show
The Marching Watches, in which Hill participated, served as a precursor to the Lord Mayor’s Show of modern times.
Connections to Shakespeare and Other Literary Figures
Hill’s personal connections to influential figures in the literary world further solidified his ties to the theater. He was a cousin by marriage to Mary Arden, Shakespeare’s mother, and a friend of Thomas Lodge Sr, the forther of the famous playwright and author of the same name.
Opening of Shakeaspeare’s play AS YOU LIKE IT as seen in the First Folio
Rowland Hill served as the inspiration for the character of Rowland de Bois in Shakespeare’s As You Like It. Additionally, his house at Soulton was built to express and hold itself as a theatrical space, highlighting his interest in creating venues for dramatic performances.
This image depicts a scholarly reconstruction of Soulton Hall, highlighting its architectural elements inspired by the ancient theater of Epidaurus. The yellow lines trace these features, revealing the Rowland Hill’s homage to the renowned Greek structure.
Hill’s legacy as a patron of the arts and his contributions to the development of theater in London and Shropshire continue to be celebrated today.
His involvement in the Marching Watches, his support the playwrights Thomas Lodge, and his association with Shakespearean characters demonstrate his passion for the stage and his enduring impact on the cultural landscape of 16th-century England.
