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Fletcher was born at Rye. His father was a noted cleric rising from Dean to occupy several
bishoprics in succession and the office of chaplain to Queen Elizabeth. He placed John in
Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, apparently with a view to educating him for a career in
the church.
John was, however, attracted by opportunities in the London theatres where he became an
associate of The King's Men and a collaborator with Shakespeare after whose death, he became
principal writer although, often, with the assistance of others.
Fletcher began writing for the stage in 1606 becoming author, to great acclaim, of some 50
plays which remained in production for several decades. His works were greatly influential
on contemporary writers but their popularity declined considerably during the 18th century
and his plays are now only seldom performed.
Fletcher died of the plague and has no identifiable grave.
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