SLHS Theatre1 - Shakespeare’s Own Garden Theatre
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Evidence That Shakespeare Built His Own Theatre
It is quite clear from a map (below) that at the back of Shakespeare’s house (‘F’ originally built by Hugh Clopton) in his garden (‘A’) there were some cottages (‘B’) and later in the Great Garden (‘C’), which still exists today, he erected a covered theatre area (also labelled ‘C’ here). It had a public entry point on Chapel Lane.
There could be a little confusion perhaps because the sketch (right) shows buildings ‘B’ and ‘C’ transposed. Also showing poplar trees where they are is surprising.
There is a closer sketch (below right), by an unknown artist but photographed, with such early equipment, by William Badams in c1860. This is nearly 300 years after Shakespeare’s birth but the date of the sketch isn’t known either - it could just be from hearsay.
The grandeur of stone and brick building correctly abuts to the cottages (‘B’). The doorway has a portico with Tuscan columns and railings -they might also be hearsay. Beyond it is another building with two chimneys not shown in Saunder’s 1805 rendition.
Now let’s see what Edward Flower had built: Theatre2 - Jubilee Booth
Map of New Place (Shakespeare’s last home) 1863
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Chapel Lane
Theatre and barn, Chapel Lane Saunders 1805
Henley Street Theatre which was actually in Windsor Street 1824-6 Saunders
Other Theatres
Whilst Shakespeare’s own Garden Theatre was good for his time over the next 150 years it must have aged rather. As seen above it still existed in 1805 and possibly 1860. However it’s quite logical that a number of other premises must have been used. For instance one was located in Windsor Street (below).
The building at the very left of the drawing may have become the Catholic School that remains to this day.
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Garden Theatre, Chapel Lane
Photograph of sketch by William Badams c1860
WHERE WAS THE FIRST SHAKESPEARE THEATRE ?
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Last update: 31/10/2024
Created: 19/01/2024