On This Day

William Congreve's Restoration comedy "Love for Love" premieres in London

William Congreve (24 January 1670 – 19 January 1729) was an English playwright, satirist and poet.

William Congreve (24 January 1670 – 19 January 1729) was an English playwright, satirist and poet. He played a major role in shaping English comedy, and is regarded by literary critics as one of the greatest playwrights of the Restoration period. The popularity of his plays in the late 17th and early 18th centuries was central to the development of satirical comedy of manners, and he became recognised as a seminal figure of Restoration literature.

Historical Significance

William Congreve (24 January 1670 – 19 January 1729) was an English playwright, satirist and poet.

Events Before

  1. Frederick Augustus I "the Strong" becomes the monarch of Saxony

    Augustus II the Strong (12 May 1670 – 1 February 1733), was Elector of Saxony as Frederick Augustus I (German: Friedrich August I) from 1694 as well as King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania from...

  2. French-Canadian explorer Louis Jolliet sets out from Quebec leading the first documented journey of the Labrador coastli

    French-Canadian explorer Louis Jolliet sets out from Quebec leading the first documented journey of the Labrador coastline (reaches Zoar area) [1]

  3. English invasion army under Thomas Tollemache reaches Brest

    English invasion army under Thomas Tollemache reaches Brest

  4. English troops attack Brest (300 killed)

    English troops attack Brest (300 killed)

  5. Dutch fleet attacks French grain transports

    Dutch fleet attacks French grain transports

Events After

  1. Revolt by undertakers after funeral reforms (Amsterdam)

    Revolt by undertakers after funeral reforms (Amsterdam)

  2. English/Welsh nobles lay down Oath of Association

    English/Welsh nobles lay down Oath of Association

  3. English ex-premier Earl Danby accused of corruption

    English ex-premier Earl Danby accused of corruption

  4. English King William III departs Netherlands

    English King William III departs Netherlands

  5. John Salomonsz elected chief of Saint-Eustatius

    John Salomonsz elected chief of Saint-Eustatius

More from the 1690s

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on April 30, 1695?
William Congreve (24 January 1670 – 19 January 1729) was an English playwright, satirist and poet. He played a major role in shaping English comedy, and is regarded by literary critics as one of the greatest playwrights of the Restoration period. The popularity of his plays in the late 17th and early 18th centuries was central to the development of satirical comedy of manners, and he became recognised as a seminal figure of Restoration literature.
Why is William Congreve's Restoration comedy "Love for Love" premieres in London significant?
William Congreve (24 January 1670 – 19 January 1729) was an English playwright, satirist and poet.

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