Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford, met Elizabeth when he was 11 years old and she was 29, newly... more Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford, met Elizabeth when he was 11 years old and she was 29, newly crowned as queen. When he was 12 his father died and he became a ward of the court. When he was 21 years old, he was coerced into marrying Anne Cecil, the daughter of his guardian, William Cecil, Lord Burghley. During his 5-year estrangement, hoping for an annulment, he had a love affair with Elizabeth. On Twelfth Night 1573 they conceived a love-child, who was born October 6,1573. For political reasons, the child was kept secret, fostered by a Catholic, the 2nd Earl of Southampton, who was released from prison under surveillance by the queen's agents. He named the boy after himself, Henry Wriothesley, who became the 3rd Earl of Southampton at age 9 when the 2nd Earl died. The sonnets reveal the ups and downs of the love affair and the father-son relationship. In 1593, Oxford wrote "Venus and Adonis" dedicated to the son he had not seen until 1590. He used the pen name "William Shakespeare" to hide his identity since the poem had erotic content. The love affair with Elizabeth ended in 1581, when Oxford sired a son with a brunette (Ann Vavasor, dark lady) and then reconciled with his wife, Anne Cecil. Through many troubles and disappointments in Elizabeth's sons, Oxford continued to love Elizabeth all his life.
Elizabeth Tudor's curly red hair provides clues to identify her progeny.
Robert Devereux, 2nd Ear... more Elizabeth Tudor's curly red hair provides clues to identify her progeny. Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex, had long curly auburn hair, a combination of red hair genes and those of the dark-haired Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, Elizabeth's long-term lover. Fostered at first by a cousin, Lettice Knollys, the boy became a ward of the court when the 1st Earl of Essex died.
This series of essays deals with speculations and suppositions built around a slender frame of hi... more This series of essays deals with speculations and suppositions built around a slender frame of historical facts. It analyzes several theories for their probability in line with known facts and documented events, contrasted with the beautiful myths and fantasies that have portrayed Elizabethan England as a merry, fantastical, enlightened place. It did indeed have many of these charactreristics, but the complete picture must acknowledge that it was governed as a police state, with spies, torturers, and manipulative power-seeking courtiers. Since many public records have been destroyed or corrupted for political reasons, a truth-seeking historian must use other sources, such as private diaries and letters, ambassadors' reports to rulers of foreign countries, and the wills of important individuals which indicate the possessions and people they valued. Readers are encouraged to be skeptical but also open to newer knowledge than tradition has afforded in the past. Especially, readers should make up their own minds about whether the proposed scenarios make a credible case.
Scholars have long recognized three characters in Shakespeare's Sonnets (Fair Youth, Dark Lady, R... more Scholars have long recognized three characters in Shakespeare's Sonnets (Fair Youth, Dark Lady, Rival Poet) but confusion reigns in identifying the rivals (one, two, or more?). Many candidates have been suggested, such as Chapman, Marlowe, etc., but no connection has been established between these poets and Shakespeare of Stratford. When we consider that the rivals are vying for the favor of Queen Elizabeth, and not the Fair Youth, sonnets 80 and 89 become much more understandable. Those who believe that "William Shakespeare" was the pen name of Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford, can see the romantic triangle as rivalry between Oxford and other poets who praise his muse -- Queen Elizabeth. David L. Roper has logically inferred that Walter Raleigh is Oxford's rival, because he was an accomplished poet, a ship captain, owner of a tall building, and host of a coterie called the "School of Night" that discussed occult subjects. He was a "favorite" of Elizabeth until he married Bess Throckmorton without her permission.
Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford, was coerced into marrying the daughter of his guardian, Will... more Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford, was coerced into marrying the daughter of his guardian, William Cecil, when he came of age in 1571. Anne Cecil was 14. They were estranged for 5 years, during which time Oxford had an affair with Elizabeth Tudor. To keep the secret of their affair, their love child was raised as Henry Wriothesley, Third Earl of Southampton. Again, to keep the secret, Oxford used the pen name of "William Shakespeare" from 1593 onward. William Cecil, furious that Oxford did not give him a grandson through Ann Cecil, vowed to destroy his reputation and erase any connections to the court. He was successful for 400 years, but now the story can be told.
Many Shakespeare authorities have surmised that Henry Wriothesley, Third Earl of Southampton, is ... more Many Shakespeare authorities have surmised that Henry Wriothesley, Third Earl of Southampton, is the Fair Youth to whom the first 17 sonnets were addressed. If we consider that Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford, was the author who used the pen name of "William Shakespeare" the meaning of many sonnets is enhanced. Oxford had an affair with Elizabeth in 1572-73, which resulted in a love-child whose existence had to be kept secret. He was raised by the 2nd Earl of Southampton to the age of 9, then by William Cecil. Sonnet 3 tells the poet's feelings about the sun (son) taken away after one hour; Sonnet 36 explains that the poet cannot acknowledge his illegitimate son without harming him. Sonnet 81 promises him immortality in future generations when "all the breathers of this world are dead" -- indicating that his work was being suppressed in his lifetime. His love for this son is shown in the dedications to "Venus and Adonis" and "Rape of Lucrece."
There were four women that Edward de Vere, writing under the pen name of "William Shakespeare," a... more There were four women that Edward de Vere, writing under the pen name of "William Shakespeare," addressed. Sonnet 130 is a satire on Petrarchan conceits of golden hair and angelic features, not a real description of his mistress. One dark lady, who bore him a son in 1581, was brunette Ann Vavasor. The one with dark eyes is Elizabeth Tudor, of whom he wrote "in nothing art thou black save in thy deeds." Sonnets 110 and 117 are "penitent husband" sonnets to Anne Cecil when he reconciled with her in 1581. His playful sonnet 138 is probably to Elizabeth Trentham, his second wife, who was much younger than he.
Sonnets 18, 122, 151, 154, and 57-58, when read from an Oxfordian point of view, reveal a beautif... more Sonnets 18, 122, 151, 154, and 57-58, when read from an Oxfordian point of view, reveal a beautiful love story that had to be suppressed for political reasons. Edward was dazzled when he first saw Elizabeth (he was 10 years old) and loved her all his life. Their love affair in 1572-1573 resulted in a love-child who had to be raised secretly by a noble family; that son is the "Fair Youth" of the sonnets.
If we look with an open mind at the concept of "William Shakespeare" as being the pen name of Edw... more If we look with an open mind at the concept of "William Shakespeare" as being the pen name of Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford, the sonnets take on a richer and clearer meaning. The "Fair Youth" is probably Henry Wriothesley, 3rd Earl of Southampton, as revealed in Sonnets 3, 33, 81, and 36.
The symbols painted into the Tower Portrait of Henry Wriothesley indicate strongly that he was a ... more The symbols painted into the Tower Portrait of Henry Wriothesley indicate strongly that he was a Rosicrucian and a Freemason. The impresa in the top right corner shows the castle and swans swimming in troubled waters. We can infer that he has royal connections but has difficulty in being recognized as a prince. Painted in 1603, just after he had been released from prison by King James I, the painting bears a motto in Latin meaning "I remain unconquered." He had been convicted of treason and sentenced to death, but then Queen Elizabeth commuted his sentence to life imprisonment. Could it be that he was the secret son of Elizabeth Tudor, and that he agreed not to challenge King James VI of Scotland for the English throne in return for his freedom? Could he be using this means of paying a tribute to his natural father, who was a Rosicrucian and Freemason?
20 years of research into the Shakespeare Authorship Question has led Dr. Gordon to conclude that... more 20 years of research into the Shakespeare Authorship Question has led Dr. Gordon to conclude that "William Shakespeare" was the pen name of Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford, who had a love affair with Queen Elizabeth in 1572-73. They had a love-child raised as the Third Earl of Southampton, whose identity had to be kept secret for political reasons. He is the Fair Youth of the Sonnets, and the Rival Poets are vying for the favors of Queen Elizabeth 1st, not for the love of the Fair Youth. Much of the official history has been corrupted and suppressed, but we now know enough that the love story can be brought to light.
Two recent films (2011, 2012) have brought to viewers' attention the Shakespeare Authorship Quest... more Two recent films (2011, 2012) have brought to viewers' attention the Shakespeare Authorship Question -- that is, the question of whether the traditional biography of the Bard fits with the obvious erudition and brilliance of the author. The documentary "Last Will. and Testament" surveys the history of the doubts about whether the Stratford businessman is the same person as the great author. It presents opinions of both the traditionalists and the doubters. The other film, "Anonymous" is a dramatic thriller that fictionalizes the love story of Queen Elizabeth the First and her favorite playwright, Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford. It is based on the "Prince Tudor" theory that the love-child Elizabeth bore in 1573 was raised in secret as the Third Earl of Southampton. For political reasons Elizabeth maintained the persona of "Virgin Queen"; thus the facts were suppressed and the identity of Oxford was concealed under the pen name of William Shakespeare. This theory is still controversial, even among Oxfordians. New evidence is still being suppressed by some academics and devout believers in the iconic Virgin Queen and the attractive legend of an ingenious provincial lad who dazzled London society with his masterful literary creations. New evidence, from both official and unofficial sources, suggests that the movie "Anonymous" got the basic story right. Now a beautiful love story can be told, thanks to members of Rosicrucian and Freemason societies who preserved Shakespeare's works and published them after his death.
On October 17, 2011, the New York Times printed a column by
Dr. James Shapiro in which he unfair... more On October 17, 2011, the New York Times printed a column by Dr. James Shapiro in which he unfairly criticized the film "Anonymous," just prior to its release to the general public. He accused the producers (Roland Emmerich, Sony Pictures) of "telling lies to children" because the film did not limit its theme to the traditional view of Shakespeare. He also attacked Oxfordians as "snobs" for believing that "William Shakespeare" was a pen name. Dr. Helen Heightsman Gordon refuted Shapiro's most outrageous statements in a letter to the NY Times which was printed online October 20. It was reprinted with permission on Hank Whittemore's Shakespeare Blog.
Shakespeare's use of ghosts, witches, astrology, sorcery, magic, and alchemy indicate familiarity... more Shakespeare's use of ghosts, witches, astrology, sorcery, magic, and alchemy indicate familiarity with occult ideas. Edward de Vere, who used "William Shakespeare" as a pen name, had connections with astrologers and alchemists like Dr. John Dee, and Rosicrucians like Francis Bacon. He was both a Rosicrucian (exploring science and supernaturalism) and a Freemason (employing symbols and rituals). The Stratford resident, William Shakspere, had no connections to these secret societies.
Shakespeare's use of the occult (ghosts, witches, magic, symbols, prophecies, astrology, etc.) pe... more Shakespeare's use of the occult (ghosts, witches, magic, symbols, prophecies, astrology, etc.) pervades his plays and propels much of the action in some, such as in Hamlet, MacBeth, and The Tempest. His familiarity with the symbolism of Rosicrucian and Freemason rituals suggests that these societies were sources of information. His choices of metaphors and symbolism in the Sonnets also reflect his interest in occult matters.
There are two schools of thought about Shakespeare. One is the traditional belief that William S... more There are two schools of thought about Shakespeare. One is the traditional belief that William Shakspere or Shaxper of Stratford was the same person as the author William Shakespeare. The other is that "William Shakespeare" was a pen name of a well-educated man with connections to the court of Queen Elizabeth. Director Roland Emmerich's movie "Anonymous" supports the theory that Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford, was the author, and Henry Wriothesley, the Third Earl of Southampton, was the love-child of Oxford and Queen Elizabeth Tudor. This film beautifully captures the milieu of the Elizabethan police state. Writer John Orloff uses his ten years of accurate historical research as a background for a thrilling drama. Emmerich and Orloff have much to teach us.
Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford, met Elizabeth when he was 11 years old and she was 29, newly... more Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford, met Elizabeth when he was 11 years old and she was 29, newly crowned as queen. When he was 12 his father died and he became a ward of the court. When he was 21 years old, he was coerced into marrying Anne Cecil, the daughter of his guardian, William Cecil, Lord Burghley. During his 5-year estrangement, hoping for an annulment, he had a love affair with Elizabeth. On Twelfth Night 1573 they conceived a love-child, who was born October 6,1573. For political reasons, the child was kept secret, fostered by a Catholic, the 2nd Earl of Southampton, who was released from prison under surveillance by the queen's agents. He named the boy after himself, Henry Wriothesley, who became the 3rd Earl of Southampton at age 9 when the 2nd Earl died. The sonnets reveal the ups and downs of the love affair and the father-son relationship. In 1593, Oxford wrote "Venus and Adonis" dedicated to the son he had not seen until 1590. He used the pen name "William Shakespeare" to hide his identity since the poem had erotic content. The love affair with Elizabeth ended in 1581, when Oxford sired a son with a brunette (Ann Vavasor, dark lady) and then reconciled with his wife, Anne Cecil. Through many troubles and disappointments in Elizabeth's sons, Oxford continued to love Elizabeth all his life.
Elizabeth Tudor's curly red hair provides clues to identify her progeny.
Robert Devereux, 2nd Ear... more Elizabeth Tudor's curly red hair provides clues to identify her progeny. Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex, had long curly auburn hair, a combination of red hair genes and those of the dark-haired Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, Elizabeth's long-term lover. Fostered at first by a cousin, Lettice Knollys, the boy became a ward of the court when the 1st Earl of Essex died.
This series of essays deals with speculations and suppositions built around a slender frame of hi... more This series of essays deals with speculations and suppositions built around a slender frame of historical facts. It analyzes several theories for their probability in line with known facts and documented events, contrasted with the beautiful myths and fantasies that have portrayed Elizabethan England as a merry, fantastical, enlightened place. It did indeed have many of these charactreristics, but the complete picture must acknowledge that it was governed as a police state, with spies, torturers, and manipulative power-seeking courtiers. Since many public records have been destroyed or corrupted for political reasons, a truth-seeking historian must use other sources, such as private diaries and letters, ambassadors' reports to rulers of foreign countries, and the wills of important individuals which indicate the possessions and people they valued. Readers are encouraged to be skeptical but also open to newer knowledge than tradition has afforded in the past. Especially, readers should make up their own minds about whether the proposed scenarios make a credible case.
Scholars have long recognized three characters in Shakespeare's Sonnets (Fair Youth, Dark Lady, R... more Scholars have long recognized three characters in Shakespeare's Sonnets (Fair Youth, Dark Lady, Rival Poet) but confusion reigns in identifying the rivals (one, two, or more?). Many candidates have been suggested, such as Chapman, Marlowe, etc., but no connection has been established between these poets and Shakespeare of Stratford. When we consider that the rivals are vying for the favor of Queen Elizabeth, and not the Fair Youth, sonnets 80 and 89 become much more understandable. Those who believe that "William Shakespeare" was the pen name of Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford, can see the romantic triangle as rivalry between Oxford and other poets who praise his muse -- Queen Elizabeth. David L. Roper has logically inferred that Walter Raleigh is Oxford's rival, because he was an accomplished poet, a ship captain, owner of a tall building, and host of a coterie called the "School of Night" that discussed occult subjects. He was a "favorite" of Elizabeth until he married Bess Throckmorton without her permission.
Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford, was coerced into marrying the daughter of his guardian, Will... more Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford, was coerced into marrying the daughter of his guardian, William Cecil, when he came of age in 1571. Anne Cecil was 14. They were estranged for 5 years, during which time Oxford had an affair with Elizabeth Tudor. To keep the secret of their affair, their love child was raised as Henry Wriothesley, Third Earl of Southampton. Again, to keep the secret, Oxford used the pen name of "William Shakespeare" from 1593 onward. William Cecil, furious that Oxford did not give him a grandson through Ann Cecil, vowed to destroy his reputation and erase any connections to the court. He was successful for 400 years, but now the story can be told.
Many Shakespeare authorities have surmised that Henry Wriothesley, Third Earl of Southampton, is ... more Many Shakespeare authorities have surmised that Henry Wriothesley, Third Earl of Southampton, is the Fair Youth to whom the first 17 sonnets were addressed. If we consider that Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford, was the author who used the pen name of "William Shakespeare" the meaning of many sonnets is enhanced. Oxford had an affair with Elizabeth in 1572-73, which resulted in a love-child whose existence had to be kept secret. He was raised by the 2nd Earl of Southampton to the age of 9, then by William Cecil. Sonnet 3 tells the poet's feelings about the sun (son) taken away after one hour; Sonnet 36 explains that the poet cannot acknowledge his illegitimate son without harming him. Sonnet 81 promises him immortality in future generations when "all the breathers of this world are dead" -- indicating that his work was being suppressed in his lifetime. His love for this son is shown in the dedications to "Venus and Adonis" and "Rape of Lucrece."
There were four women that Edward de Vere, writing under the pen name of "William Shakespeare," a... more There were four women that Edward de Vere, writing under the pen name of "William Shakespeare," addressed. Sonnet 130 is a satire on Petrarchan conceits of golden hair and angelic features, not a real description of his mistress. One dark lady, who bore him a son in 1581, was brunette Ann Vavasor. The one with dark eyes is Elizabeth Tudor, of whom he wrote "in nothing art thou black save in thy deeds." Sonnets 110 and 117 are "penitent husband" sonnets to Anne Cecil when he reconciled with her in 1581. His playful sonnet 138 is probably to Elizabeth Trentham, his second wife, who was much younger than he.
Sonnets 18, 122, 151, 154, and 57-58, when read from an Oxfordian point of view, reveal a beautif... more Sonnets 18, 122, 151, 154, and 57-58, when read from an Oxfordian point of view, reveal a beautiful love story that had to be suppressed for political reasons. Edward was dazzled when he first saw Elizabeth (he was 10 years old) and loved her all his life. Their love affair in 1572-1573 resulted in a love-child who had to be raised secretly by a noble family; that son is the "Fair Youth" of the sonnets.
If we look with an open mind at the concept of "William Shakespeare" as being the pen name of Edw... more If we look with an open mind at the concept of "William Shakespeare" as being the pen name of Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford, the sonnets take on a richer and clearer meaning. The "Fair Youth" is probably Henry Wriothesley, 3rd Earl of Southampton, as revealed in Sonnets 3, 33, 81, and 36.
The symbols painted into the Tower Portrait of Henry Wriothesley indicate strongly that he was a ... more The symbols painted into the Tower Portrait of Henry Wriothesley indicate strongly that he was a Rosicrucian and a Freemason. The impresa in the top right corner shows the castle and swans swimming in troubled waters. We can infer that he has royal connections but has difficulty in being recognized as a prince. Painted in 1603, just after he had been released from prison by King James I, the painting bears a motto in Latin meaning "I remain unconquered." He had been convicted of treason and sentenced to death, but then Queen Elizabeth commuted his sentence to life imprisonment. Could it be that he was the secret son of Elizabeth Tudor, and that he agreed not to challenge King James VI of Scotland for the English throne in return for his freedom? Could he be using this means of paying a tribute to his natural father, who was a Rosicrucian and Freemason?
20 years of research into the Shakespeare Authorship Question has led Dr. Gordon to conclude that... more 20 years of research into the Shakespeare Authorship Question has led Dr. Gordon to conclude that "William Shakespeare" was the pen name of Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford, who had a love affair with Queen Elizabeth in 1572-73. They had a love-child raised as the Third Earl of Southampton, whose identity had to be kept secret for political reasons. He is the Fair Youth of the Sonnets, and the Rival Poets are vying for the favors of Queen Elizabeth 1st, not for the love of the Fair Youth. Much of the official history has been corrupted and suppressed, but we now know enough that the love story can be brought to light.
Two recent films (2011, 2012) have brought to viewers' attention the Shakespeare Authorship Quest... more Two recent films (2011, 2012) have brought to viewers' attention the Shakespeare Authorship Question -- that is, the question of whether the traditional biography of the Bard fits with the obvious erudition and brilliance of the author. The documentary "Last Will. and Testament" surveys the history of the doubts about whether the Stratford businessman is the same person as the great author. It presents opinions of both the traditionalists and the doubters. The other film, "Anonymous" is a dramatic thriller that fictionalizes the love story of Queen Elizabeth the First and her favorite playwright, Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford. It is based on the "Prince Tudor" theory that the love-child Elizabeth bore in 1573 was raised in secret as the Third Earl of Southampton. For political reasons Elizabeth maintained the persona of "Virgin Queen"; thus the facts were suppressed and the identity of Oxford was concealed under the pen name of William Shakespeare. This theory is still controversial, even among Oxfordians. New evidence is still being suppressed by some academics and devout believers in the iconic Virgin Queen and the attractive legend of an ingenious provincial lad who dazzled London society with his masterful literary creations. New evidence, from both official and unofficial sources, suggests that the movie "Anonymous" got the basic story right. Now a beautiful love story can be told, thanks to members of Rosicrucian and Freemason societies who preserved Shakespeare's works and published them after his death.
On October 17, 2011, the New York Times printed a column by
Dr. James Shapiro in which he unfair... more On October 17, 2011, the New York Times printed a column by Dr. James Shapiro in which he unfairly criticized the film "Anonymous," just prior to its release to the general public. He accused the producers (Roland Emmerich, Sony Pictures) of "telling lies to children" because the film did not limit its theme to the traditional view of Shakespeare. He also attacked Oxfordians as "snobs" for believing that "William Shakespeare" was a pen name. Dr. Helen Heightsman Gordon refuted Shapiro's most outrageous statements in a letter to the NY Times which was printed online October 20. It was reprinted with permission on Hank Whittemore's Shakespeare Blog.
Shakespeare's use of ghosts, witches, astrology, sorcery, magic, and alchemy indicate familiarity... more Shakespeare's use of ghosts, witches, astrology, sorcery, magic, and alchemy indicate familiarity with occult ideas. Edward de Vere, who used "William Shakespeare" as a pen name, had connections with astrologers and alchemists like Dr. John Dee, and Rosicrucians like Francis Bacon. He was both a Rosicrucian (exploring science and supernaturalism) and a Freemason (employing symbols and rituals). The Stratford resident, William Shakspere, had no connections to these secret societies.
Shakespeare's use of the occult (ghosts, witches, magic, symbols, prophecies, astrology, etc.) pe... more Shakespeare's use of the occult (ghosts, witches, magic, symbols, prophecies, astrology, etc.) pervades his plays and propels much of the action in some, such as in Hamlet, MacBeth, and The Tempest. His familiarity with the symbolism of Rosicrucian and Freemason rituals suggests that these societies were sources of information. His choices of metaphors and symbolism in the Sonnets also reflect his interest in occult matters.
There are two schools of thought about Shakespeare. One is the traditional belief that William S... more There are two schools of thought about Shakespeare. One is the traditional belief that William Shakspere or Shaxper of Stratford was the same person as the author William Shakespeare. The other is that "William Shakespeare" was a pen name of a well-educated man with connections to the court of Queen Elizabeth. Director Roland Emmerich's movie "Anonymous" supports the theory that Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford, was the author, and Henry Wriothesley, the Third Earl of Southampton, was the love-child of Oxford and Queen Elizabeth Tudor. This film beautifully captures the milieu of the Elizabethan police state. Writer John Orloff uses his ten years of accurate historical research as a background for a thrilling drama. Emmerich and Orloff have much to teach us.
Malinalli, also known as Dona Marina, has been made a scapegoat as "La Malinche " accused of betr... more Malinalli, also known as Dona Marina, has been made a scapegoat as "La Malinche " accused of betraying her "own people" by serving Hernan Cortes. But she was a slave given to him; she had no choice. But a new kind of scapegoating is now appearing -- the trend of blaming her mother for selling her into slavery. More likely it was her wicked stepfather, who tricked her mother into sending Malinalli away
This series of essays deals with speculations and suppositions built around a slender frame of hi... more This series of essays deals with speculations and suppositions built around a slender frame of historical facts. It analyzes several theories for their probability in line with known facts and documented events, contrasted with the beautiful myths and fantasies that have portrayed Elizabethan England as a merry, fantastical, enlightened place. It did indeed have many of these charactreristics, but the complete picture must acknowledge that it was governed as a police state, with spies, torturers, and manipulative power-seeking courtiers. Since many public records have been destroyed or corrupted for political reasons, a truth-seeking historian must use other sources, such as private diaries and letters, ambassadors' reports to rulers of foreign countries, and the wills of important individuals which indicate the possessions and people they valued. Readers are encouraged to be skeptical but also open to newer knowledge than tradition has afforded in the past. Especially, readers should make up their own minds about whether the proposed scenarios make a credible case.
Now, in the 21st century, we can decipher the clues left for us in paintings, suspicious death... more Now, in the 21st century, we can decipher the clues left for us in paintings, suspicious death reports, poetry, plays, and 20th century analyses of 16th century documents. They are like a time capsule intended to be discovered at a later time. We can find many Freemason and Rosicrucian clues in the 1603 portrait of Henry Wriothesley, Third Earl of Southampton, to whom Shakespeare dedicated “Venus and Adonis” in 1593. It is called the “Tower Portrait” for its setting in the Tower Prison, from which Southampton had just emerged after serving a sentence for supporting the Essex Rebellion. Why was he eager to inform future generations that he was both a Rosicrucian and a Freemason? Is our present generation those “eyes not yet created” that Shakespeare predicted (in Sonnet 81) would make the “Fair Youth” immortal? Was the Earl of Southampton Shakespeare’s patron, or was he the “Fair Youth” -- the natural son the poet could not acknowledge? Shakespeare’s poems and plays show that he was a Freemason and a Rosicrucian. Yet there is a problem when we try to apply this knowledge to the Stratford resident, who had no connections to the secret societies. Research of the past century has identified the most probable user of the pen name “Shakespeare” as Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford. Oxford had an affair with Elizabeth in 1572-73, leading to gossip that they had a child being raised as the Third Earl of Southampton. To protect Elizabeth’s political persona of “Virgin Queen,” Oxford used pen names. His enemies tried to destroy all his manuscripts, and they quickly suppressed the 1609 edition of the Sonnets. But Freemasons and Rosicrucian friends hid the documents and preserved them until after the would-be censors were dead. The love Oxford felt for Elizabeth and his son are presented dramatically in the movie Anonymous directed by Roland Emmerich, and in Helen Heightsman Gordon’s The Secret Love Story in Shakespeare’s Sonnets [2008]. Though fictional, Emmerich’s movie was based on ten years of solid research. Gordon’s literary criticism interprets the sonnets as they relate to the life experiences of Edward de Vere, based on 20 years of research on Shakespeare’s authorship. Although it is beyond the scope of this paper to refute other theories of Shakespearean authorship, a brief explanatory note follows the conclusion.
Shake-Speare's Sonnets in 1609 contained a mystifying dedication of 28 words in an ungrammatical ... more Shake-Speare's Sonnets in 1609 contained a mystifying dedication of 28 words in an ungrammatical structure. Its odd shape, resemblance to a gravestone, and use of words like "onlie begetter," suggest that it was written by Edward de Vere, not Thomas Thorpe, and that "Mr. W.H." is Henry Wriothesley, a love-child raised as the Third Earl of Southampton. Symbols suggest Freemason and Rosicrucian codes to protect the ID of the poet and his loved ones.
A paper posted July 15, 2016, invited readers to consider a fresh look at the puzzling Dedication... more A paper posted July 15, 2016, invited readers to consider a fresh look at the puzzling Dedication to the 1609 Edition of Shake-Speare's Sonnets. This version adds an extensive bibliography (works consulted) for those who wish to explore the subject further.
This series of essays deals with speculations and suppositions built around a slender frame of hi... more This series of essays deals with speculations and suppositions built around a slender frame of historical facts. It analyzes several theories for their probability in line with known facts and documented events, contrasted with the beautiful myths and fantasies that have portrayed Elizabethan England as a merry, fantastical, enlightened place. It did indeed have many of these charactreristics, but the complete picture must acknowledge that it was governed as a police state, with spies, torturers, and manipulative power-seeking courtiers. Since many public records have been destroyed or corrupted for political reasons, a truth-seeking historian must use other sources, such as private diaries and letters, ambassadors' reports to rulers of foreign countries, and the wills of important individuals which indicate the possessions and people they valued. Readers are encouraged to be skeptical but also open to newer knowledge than tradition has afforded in the past. Especially, readers should make up their own minds about whether the proposed scenarios make a credible case.
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Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex, had long curly auburn hair, a combination of red hair genes and those of the dark-haired Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, Elizabeth's long-term lover. Fostered at first by a cousin, Lettice Knollys, the boy became a ward of the court when the 1st Earl of Essex died.
Dr. James Shapiro in which he unfairly criticized the film "Anonymous," just prior to its release to the general public. He accused the producers (Roland Emmerich, Sony Pictures) of "telling lies to children" because the film did not limit its theme to the traditional view of Shakespeare. He also attacked Oxfordians as "snobs" for believing that "William Shakespeare" was a pen name. Dr. Helen Heightsman Gordon refuted Shapiro's most outrageous statements in a letter to the NY Times which was printed online October 20. It was reprinted with permission on Hank Whittemore's Shakespeare Blog.
Third Earl of Southampton, was the love-child of Oxford and Queen Elizabeth Tudor. This film beautifully captures the milieu of the Elizabethan police state. Writer John Orloff uses his ten years of accurate historical research as a background for a thrilling drama. Emmerich and Orloff have much to teach us.
Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex, had long curly auburn hair, a combination of red hair genes and those of the dark-haired Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, Elizabeth's long-term lover. Fostered at first by a cousin, Lettice Knollys, the boy became a ward of the court when the 1st Earl of Essex died.
Dr. James Shapiro in which he unfairly criticized the film "Anonymous," just prior to its release to the general public. He accused the producers (Roland Emmerich, Sony Pictures) of "telling lies to children" because the film did not limit its theme to the traditional view of Shakespeare. He also attacked Oxfordians as "snobs" for believing that "William Shakespeare" was a pen name. Dr. Helen Heightsman Gordon refuted Shapiro's most outrageous statements in a letter to the NY Times which was printed online October 20. It was reprinted with permission on Hank Whittemore's Shakespeare Blog.
Third Earl of Southampton, was the love-child of Oxford and Queen Elizabeth Tudor. This film beautifully captures the milieu of the Elizabethan police state. Writer John Orloff uses his ten years of accurate historical research as a background for a thrilling drama. Emmerich and Orloff have much to teach us.
We can find many Freemason and Rosicrucian clues in the 1603 portrait of Henry Wriothesley, Third Earl of Southampton, to whom Shakespeare dedicated “Venus and Adonis” in 1593. It is called the “Tower Portrait” for its setting in the Tower Prison, from which Southampton had just emerged after serving a sentence for supporting the Essex Rebellion. Why was he eager to inform future generations that he was both a Rosicrucian and a Freemason? Is our present generation those “eyes not yet created” that Shakespeare predicted (in Sonnet 81) would make the “Fair Youth” immortal?
Was the Earl of Southampton Shakespeare’s patron, or was he the “Fair Youth” -- the natural son the poet could not acknowledge? Shakespeare’s poems and plays show that he was a Freemason and a Rosicrucian. Yet there is a problem when we try to apply this knowledge to the Stratford resident, who had no connections to the secret societies. Research of the past century has identified the most probable user of the pen name “Shakespeare” as Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford. Oxford had an affair with Elizabeth in 1572-73, leading to gossip that they had a child being raised as the Third Earl of Southampton. To protect Elizabeth’s political persona of “Virgin Queen,” Oxford used pen names. His enemies tried to destroy all his manuscripts, and they quickly suppressed the 1609 edition of the Sonnets. But Freemasons and Rosicrucian friends hid the documents and preserved them until after the would-be censors were dead.
The love Oxford felt for Elizabeth and his son are presented dramatically in the movie Anonymous directed by Roland Emmerich, and in Helen Heightsman Gordon’s The Secret Love Story in Shakespeare’s Sonnets [2008]. Though fictional, Emmerich’s movie was based on ten years of solid research. Gordon’s literary criticism interprets the sonnets as they relate to the life experiences of Edward de Vere, based on 20 years of research on Shakespeare’s authorship.
Although it is beyond the scope of this paper to refute other theories of Shakespearean authorship, a brief explanatory note follows the conclusion.