In Shakespeare’s time, an alarum was a call to arms, or a signal to begin fighting. Alarums were also used to create confusion, disorienting enemy fighters or catching them by surprise. Though there is some…
read analysis of Alarum
Lord Protector
In 15th- and 16th-century England, the title Lord Protector was used to denote a head of state who could govern on a monarch’s behalf, either because the current monarch was unwell, on a crusade, or…
read analysis of Lord Protector
Prelate
The word “prelate” can be used to refer to a bishop, a cardinal, or to any similarly high-ranking official in the Christian clergy. Throughout Henry VI Part 1, the Bishop of Winchester (later cardinal)…
read analysis of Prelate
Regent
In medieval England, the term “regent” denoted a leader who rules in place of a monarch, either because the monarch was sick or physically absent. In Henry VI Part 1, first the Duke of…
read analysis of Regent