Pre-1500

There are four main types of puppet used all over the world: glove or hand puppets, rod puppets, marionettes (operated from above by strings or rods), and shadow puppets. There are also other special types of puppet, including jigging puppets and water puppets.

Nobody knows when the first puppet shows were performed in Britain although the Romans probably had puppets, since they were known in Italy. Minstrels in France performed puppet shows as early as the 13th century, and would have entertained with them when they came to England. The word 'puppet' was common in 14th century England and Chaucer used the word twice. The Romance of Alexander, a 14th century manuscript, is illustrated with pictures of glove puppet shows in booths, like those used for Punch and Judy today. Although Flemish, the manuscript may have been made by English scribes and artists, and represents English puppet shows. The minstrels’ puppet shows were probably based on Bible stories and Greek and Roman legends. Monks and priests also used puppets and automated figures to tell Bible stories in church and to spread Christianity.