The actor asserted his individuality; his profession was recognised as distinct and complete in itself; companies of players began to stroll through the provinces.

The early moral-play of the "Castle of Perseverance," which is certainly as old as the reign of Henry VI., was represented by itinerant actors, who travelled round the country for that purpose, preceded by their standard-bearers and trumpeters, to announce on what day, and at what hour, the performance would take place.

It would seem that the exhibition concluded at nine o'clock in the morning, so that the playgoers of the period must probably have assembled so early as six.

In the reign of Edward IV.

the actors first obtained parliamentary recognition.