Strafford by Robert Browning is an 1837 tragedy by the British writer Robert Browning. It portrays the downfall and execution of Lord Strafford, the advisor to Charles I shortly before the English Civil War. The play was first staged at the Covent Garden Theatre in London's West End. Excerpt: "Hampden, Hollis, the younger Vane, Rudyard, Fiennes, and many of the Presbyterian Party: Loudon and other Scots Commissioners: some seated, some standing beside a table strewn over with papers, &c. VANE. I say if he is here . . . RUDYARD. And he is here! HOLLIS."