In the 1580s John Penry had written a series of pamphlets that challenged the authority of the Anglican church establishment. He may have also written the Marprelate tracts which vexed Archbishop Whitgift to no end. By 1589, Whitgift had had enough, and issued an order that Penry be arrested for encouraging sedition, based on the pamphlets published in Penry's name.
Penry did not wait for the authorities to find him. Instead, he fled to Scotland, just as Marlowe later informed Thomas Kyd he was planning to do. Penry stayed in Scotland for three years, returning surreptitiously in 1592. He remained at large until March 1593, when Whitgift's forces captured him. Penry remained in custody until his execution a year later.
What happened next is well known: on May 21st, 1593, the day after an arrest warrant was issued for Marlowe, Penry was convicted of sedition. On May 29th, the day before the Deptford meeting, Penry was hastily executed less than a mile from Deptford.
Marlowe's plan to go "unto the King of Scots", where Whitgift had no authority, very likely had the experience of John Penry as inspiration.
© DARYL PINKSEN 2009
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