English Theatres closed by order of Puritans (to 1660)

Historical Context Note

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With the English Civil War having broken out in earnest in June 1642, the Long Parliament was now led primarily by Puritans, who viewed the theatre as centres of vice. On 2nd September, an ordinance was passed that ordered theatres to close for the duration of the war. In the event, they remained closed throughout the period of the Cromwellian Commonwealth, only re-opening with the Restoration of Charles II in 1660.

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337 English Theatres closed by order of Puritans (to 1660) 2 Historical context notes are intended to give basic and preliminary information on a topic. In some cases they will be expanded into longer entries as the Literary Encyclopedia evolves.

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