John Fletcher (1579–1625) was one of the most celebrated playwrights of the early 17th century and a key figure in the golden age of English theatre. Born in Rye, Sussex, Fletcher grew up in Peterborough, where his father, Richard Fletcher, served as Dean of Peterborough Cathedral and later Bishop of London. The family lived in the precincts of the Cathedral during a formative period of John’s life, giving him close ties to the city.
Fletcher went on to succeed William Shakespeare as principal dramatist for the King’s Men acting company and became known for his collaborations with Francis Beaumont, Philip Massinger, and Shakespeare himself. His plays, including The Maid’s Tragedy and Philaster, were popular in their time and influential in the development of English drama. Fletcher’s Peterborough upbringing connects the city to the vibrant world of Jacobean theatre, making him one of its most notable historical residents.