Nicholas Udall

Nicholas Udall (* 1505 in Hampshire, † December 23, 1556 in London ) was an English playwright, educator and Canon in Windsor.

Life

Udall was born in Hampshire, and educated at Oxford University, where he joined in 1524 from Corpus Christi College. He soon found access to the court of Henry VIII and became headmaster of Eton College in 1534. After 7 years in office, he was released. Later, he enjoyed the favor of Edward VI. and Mary Tudor; 1554 he took over as head of Westminster School. Udall wrote the first English Renaissance comedy " Ralph Roister Doister " ( 1552 ), which was not published until after his death. The piece stuck to the model of the ancient poet Terence and Plautus and should be performed by Udall's students. Udall also translated some and wrote the " morality Respublica " ( 1553).