Setting

Click on the images below to find out more about the setting of Henry V and what we know about where the play is set.
  • Henry V production photos_ 2015_2015_Photo by Keith Pattison _c_ RSC_171377
    England is a Catholic country and the Archbishop of Canterbury leads the Church in England.
  • Henry V production photos_ 1997_1997_Photo by Clive Barda _c_ Clive Barda_21140
    Men of different ranks, ages and nationalities are required to sign up and fight for their country.
  • Henry V production photos_ 2015_2015_Photo by Keith Pattison _c_ RSC_171379
    Henry V is young and has only just become King. He has a lot to prove.
  • Henry V_ 2007_Ellie Kurttz_119394
    England and France go to war and the French Army outnumbers the English.
  • Henry V production photos_ 2015_2015_Photo by Keith Pattison _c_ RSC_171561
    Henry and Katherine, as Royalty in England and France, are both expected to make alliances through marriage.
  • Henry V_ 2007_Ellie Kurttz_120697
    Not all the nobles and courtiers like Henry V or his plans to go to war with France.

Shakespeare’s History plays are slightly different from his other work in that they include historical and well known figures and events. However, that does not mean the play has to look or feel like it is set in the early 1400s. For example, the play could include modern costumes or an all female cast, as long as the facts above are included.

Why do you think changing the world or setting of the play might be helpful for modern audiences? How might you stage Henry V?

Teacher Notes

On this page students can explore some of the key things that we know about the setting of Henry V by clicking on the pictures.

You can use these pictures, or other images, as a starting point to discuss what they know about the setting of the play and to think about where they would set the play if they were creating their own production. A great way of doing this visually is for students to create a mood board or collage of images that could be used as design inspiration.