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The Blackfriars Playhouse
Playhouse Yard, a small back street, dwarfed by a new red bricked American Bank, built on the previous site of the Times Newspaper Building. This unobtrusive yard once housed The Blackfriars Theatre, an Elizabethan Playhouse that was obtained by James Burbage in February 1596. Purchased from the executors of the Sir Thomas Cawarden estate, for the sum of £600 - a large amount of money in those days.
The land previously part of the Dominican monks or Blackfriars, forming part of their monastery, which ended with the act of Henry VIII dissolving all London's monasteries.
Burbage, obtained rooms, large and small, with cellars and yards, including seven great upper rooms “formerly one great room, turning the rooms into a playhouse. It was in 1608 the regular players including William Shakespeare obtained a part ownership in the company. Other than the name Playhouse Yard there is very little evidence left to remind us of the theatre which once stood here, except for the small piece of black wall standing at the corner of the building, part of the Elizabethan Playhouse.
Shakespeare City WalksThis is the walk to do in London if you want to find out more about this incredible genius's life and work - delivered to you by a former Shakespearean actor.
Departs from the Temple Tube underground station exit.
Valerie Doulton, former Shakespeare Studies director at the National Theatre - "Inspiring and informative".
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