Released February 2010

Shakespearean Theatres

The modern reconstruction of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, Bankside, Southwark. Copyright English Heritage J060051

This “What’s New” feature looks at our records for Elizabethan and Jacobean theatres of Shakespeare, his contemporaries and successors in London.

In 1988-89 the discovery of the remains of two famous Elizabethan playhouses, the Rose and William Shakespeare’s Globe, caused a great deal of excitement. Physical evidence of their location and layout was revealed for the very first time. The report of these excavations, The Rose and Globe – playhouses of Shakespeare’s Bankside, Southwark, was recently published by the Museum of London Archaeology and part funded by English Heritage. Based on information from the excavations and historical documents, it provides a detailed picture of the physical structures of the theatres, as well as insight into the experiences of the theatre-goers. The report also presents a fascinating overview of the world of Elizabethan and Jacobean theatre in London - from the inns which staged performances to the development of purpose-built outdoor playhouses like the Rose and Globe, as well as indoor theatres.

Copy of an illustration of a section of Hollar's panorama published in 1647 and showing the Globe Theatre and St Clement, Greater London. Interestingly, this view marks the Globe incorrectly. Copyright: English Heritage. NMR  AA98_06480.

Following the publication of the report, a project was carried out to enhance PastScape records for Elizabethan and Jacobean theatres in London. A variety of records have been enhanced. These include inns where plays were performed, former priories converted to indoor theatres and purpose built outdoor playhouses. A record for the 1997 reconstruction of the Globe is also included; a building which was the vision of actor and director, Sam Wanamaker.

The George Inn, Southwark, London's last galleried Inn, where theatrical performances were held. 
Copyright: David March. Reference Number: 470656

Learn more about the book at the MOLAS website and purchase it from here.

See our records

Purpose built playhouses

The Globe (original site)
The reconstructed Shakespeare’s Globe 
The Rose
The Swan
The Hope
The Curtain
The Theatre
The Red Lion
The Fortune
Newington Butts Playhouse
The Red Bull

Other theatres

Inns that hosted theatrical performances

Bel Savage Inn
Bell Inn
Cross Keys Inn
Bull Inn
Saracen’s Head
Boar’s Head
George Inn
White Hart

Other sites that held theatrical performances

Middle Temple Hall
The Hall, Gray’s Inn of Court