Henry Wriothesley

Henry Wriothesley, 3rd Earl of Southampton (1573–1624), was an influential English nobleman and patron of the arts during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Known for his close association with William Shakespeare, he is believed to have been a key supporter and possible inspiration for some of Shakespeare’s works, including "Venus and Adonis" and "Lucrece." Southampton was also involved in political and military affairs of his time. His patronage and relationships with prominent figures helped shape the cultural landscape of Elizabethan England, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of literature and theater.