Dr. Roderigo Lopez's trial largely influenced the writing of The Merchant of Venice (1600) by William Shakespeare.
The 16th century, and also the rule of Elizabeth I, was characterized by a strong anti-semitism that led to a ferocious persecution of Jews all over England. Lopez, Elizabeth's head physician, was a Jew who was also accussed of trying to poison the Virgin Queen. Eventually, he was tried, found guilty, and hanged.
In The Merchant of Venice, the characteristics of Shylock, a miserly Jew and also a moneylender, are very similar to Lopez's characteristics. Furthermore, the names of different characters of the play refer to the doctor’s trial, for example, Jessica is another Jewish name and Antonio was the name of Roderigo Lopez's enemy. The influence of Dr. Lopez’s trial on Shakespeare’s play is clearly seen in the trial scene since the judges decide that Shylock is guilty even before the trial starts.
All in all, the play shows the society’s prejudice against Jewish people in the late 16th century in England, but also the impact the trial had on the English people.