10 Facts About Philip Massinger

Philip Massinger's finely plotted plays, including A New Way to Pay Old Debts, The City Madam, and The Roman Actor, are noted for their satire and realism, and their political and social themes.

Philip Massinger apparently belonged to an old Salisbury family, for the name occurs in the city records as early as 1415.

Philip Massinger is described in his matriculation entry at St Alban Hall, Oxford, as the son of a gentleman.

Philip Massinger's father, who had been educated at St Alban Hall, was a member of parliament, and was attached to the household of Henry Herbert, 2nd Earl of Pembroke.

Between 1623 and 1626 Philip Massinger produced unaided for the Lady Elizabeth's Men, then playing at the Cockpit Theatre, three pieces, The Parliament of Love, The Bondman and The Renegado.

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Supposition that Philip Massinger was a Roman Catholic rests upon three of his plays, The Virgin Martyr, The Renegado (licensed 1624) and The Maid of Honour (c.

Conversely, characters in Philip Massinger's plays sometimes masquerade as Catholic clergy and even hear believers' confessions (The Emperor of the East)—a violation of a sacrament that would be surprising for a Catholic.

Philip Massinger did not live long enough to have to take a position in that conflict.

Philip Massinger contributed, however, at least one great and popular character to the English stage.

Philip Massinger made another considerable contribution to the comedy of manners in The City Madam.