Was Shakespeare a secret Roman Catholic? How can we tell? The religious context of Shakespeare’s lifetime was – to say the least – turbulent. Just before the start of his writing career, England was shocked by the execution of Mary Queen of Scots, and, in the following year, the threat of the Spanish Armada. In 1605, the whole government and Royal family narrowly escaped assassination by the Gunpowder Plot. In what ways do Shakespeare’s plays reflect the religious issues of his time?

The annual Bath Shakespeare Society Shakespeare Birthday Lecture is given this year by Peter Davies.