Gondomar and the Stage: Diego Sarmiento de Acuña and the Lost Theatrical Connection

Abstract Don Diego Sarmiento de Acuña, first Count of Gondomar (1567–1626), was twice appointed by the King Spain to delicate embassy in court James I London, where he played a decisive role Anglo-Spanish relations aftermath treaty peace between two monarchies signed London 1604. Beyond his uncontested political significance, also Spain’s premier bibliophile. His famous library comprised over 6000 volumes nine languages, including surprisingly large collection plays. interests drama as an art form and theatre profession are well attested vast correspondence sizeable body documents that have survived. While these been noted, this is study has attempted analyse evidence systematic way suggest closer connection professional England Spain. In particular, aims shed some light on untraced connections English playwrights actors active during time ambassador. Gondomar’s contained number recent relatively rare works whose presence metropolis at right might help explain cases early adaptation Spanish contemporary literature period.