What was Shakespeare's benefactor?

Answer 1

The patrons of Shakespeare's acting company were Henry Carey, The Lord Chamberlain (1594-1603) and King James I (from 1603).

His poems Venus and Adonis and The Rape of Lucrece were dedicated to Henry Wriothesley, who is believed to be his patron. The Sonnets were dedicated to "Mr. W.H.", whoever that was (possibly also Wriothesley with his initials reversed.)

Answer 2

Although his company did play for Queen Elizabeth I, his company were known as the Lord Chamberlain's Men during her reign because their patron was Henry Carey, the Lord Chamberlain. In 1603, the company's patronage was taken over by the King, King James I, who became their first royal patron. No royal person is credited as the patron of any of Shakespeare's published work.

Answer 3

Shakespeare had only one patron: Henry Wriothesley, Earl of Southampton, who was noble but not royal. King James was the patron of the company Shakespeare belonged to but not of Shakespeare personally. Queen Elizabeth was never Shakespeare's patron in any sense.

Answer 4

William Shakespeare's sponsor or patron was Henry Wriothesley. He was the earl of Southampton, to whom Shakespeare dedicated his first poem to.

Answer 5

Henry Wriothesley

Answer 6

King James I

Answer 7

lord chamberlain