Twice presented before the +KING+ and +QUEENS+ Majesties at _Somerset-House_, and very often at the Private House in _Black-Friars_, with great Applause,
Printed for _Humphrey Moseley_, and are to be sold at his shop at the sign of the _Prince’s Arms_ in St. _Pauls_ Church-yard. +1655+. ]
1585. Three plays in One. “This play should have been shewed before her highness on Shrovesundie at night, but the Queen came not abroad that night. Tarlton, the celebrated clown and jester of Queen Elizabeth, wrote a play in two parts called ‘The seven Deadly Sins.’ Three plays in one may have been the first part.”
1585. “An Antic play and a Comedy. This play was given at Somerset Place at night, the Queen being present.”
1634. “The Shepherdess.” “On Monday night, the sixth of January and the Twelfth Night, was presented at Denmark House, before the King and Queen, Fletcher’s pastorall, called ‘The Faithful Shepherdesse’ in the clothes the Queen had given Taylor the yeare before of her owne pastorall.” The scenes were fitted to the pastorall and made by Mr. Inigo Jones in the great chamber, 1633.
Denmark House is another name for Somerset House, also called Somerset Place. After spending a whole afternoon in searching for a reference to Denmark House without any result, I made repeated enquiries, which were fruitless. Eventually, after further research, the desired information was forthcoming.
Nonsuch Palace was built by Henry VIII. When erecting this building the King destroyed the entire village of Cuddington, including the church and the old manor house. Judging from its name, which signifies “beyond compare,” the palace, when furnished, must have presented a noble appearance. One author waxes quite enthusiastic: “Here Henry VIII, in his magnificence, erected a structure so beautiful, so elegant and so splendid, that in whatever direction the admirer of florid architecture turned his eye he will say that it easily bears off the palm, so great is the emulating Roman Art, so beautiful are the paintings, the sculpture, gildings and decorations of all kinds that you would say it is a sky spangled with stars.”
Paul Hentzer, who described the early London theatres, also took notice of this handsome building and lovely grounds. On the death of the King, Queen Mary sold it to the Earl of Arundel, and in the next reign the noble earl entertained the Queen in right royal state. Balls, masques, and plays were given in alternate evenings, the children of St. Paul’s acting in a play especially composed for the occasion. After this visit the Queen much favoured this beautiful summer retreat, and a few years later she purchased the entire estate from Lord Lumley, the Earl of Arundel’s son-in-law. Elizabeth kept open house here, daily hunting over the neighbouring downs, and in the evenings masques and plays were held; sometimes for divertissement she would dance a galliard with her courtiers. Nonsuch was pulled down in 1671, and the surrounding lands were converted into farms. Even in the present day a residence named Nonsuch House will be found in the neighbourhood.