Sir John Oldcastle

In a world where street brawls, sermons, and royal summons can all spark rebellion, Sir John Oldcastle stands at the center of a kingdom on edge. Rival nobles clash in Hereford over Wycliffe's teachings and Sir John's name, while bishops and courtiers press the king to treat reformist dissent as a threat to church and state. Yet the king hesitates, weighing Oldcastle's loyalty and honor against accusations of heresy, even as Cobham's household fills with beggars, soldiers, and rough-edged defenders like Harpoole. As comic disorder gives way to open conspiracy, priests scheme, messengers are robbed, and nobles begin plotting against Henry's rule with talk of inheritance, grievance, and foreign aid. Cobham tests these men, then denounces their treason and rushes to warn the court, while the king gathers forces at Blackheath as the rebel threat grows. Meanwhile, Murley and his ragged followers stumble toward battle in a frenzy of bravado, and a jealous priest's earthy bargains with Doll add a cynical counterpoint to the larger conflict. Blending political drama, religious controversy, and broad comedy, the play exposes how quickly ambition and dissent can tip into treason. This edition has been fully restored with modern typesetting, custom cover design.