The Shakespeare Conference: SHK 10.1523 Monday, 30 August 1999.
From: Tom Bishop <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>
Date: Friday, 27 Aug 1999 12:16:20 -0500
Subject: 10.1506 Jacobean Performer Query
Comment: Re: SHK 10.1506 Jacobean Performer Query
Dear SHAKSPER,
I am looking for information about a singer, possibly also an actor,
referred to in accounts of two masques, Jonson's "Masque of Queens"
(1609) and Campion's "Somerset Masque" (1613). The singer's name is
John Allin (presumably = Allen). He is NOT the John Alleyn who was
Edward Alleyn's elder brother, since he died in 1596. Nor is he the John
Allen, another player, also listed in Nunzeger, since HE died in 1593.
Peter Walls' fine recent book on the masque claims that this John Allin
was a member of the King's Men, yet he is not listed in Andrew Gurr's
"Shakespearean Companies" as part of that company. He is not in
Bentley, and Chambers lists him only as a musician. The precise wording
of Jonson's record is "her Majesties servant" which suggests he was
attached to the Queen's company (but also not listed in Gurr) or the
Queen's household. He is not is anywhere in the Records of English Court
Musicians compiled by Andrew Ashbee. If anyone knows more about this
man, or can think of another useful place to look, I would be very
grateful.
Tom Bishop