London was the biggest and richest city in England; it was
the home of the first permanent playhouses. Wealthy traders and manufacturers –
and their workers – lived there.
London wasn’t just big; it was also growing fast, mostly due
to migrants from the countryside and from Europe. Between 1550 and 1600 it is
estimated the city grew from around 50,000 residents to over 200,000. London
was such a bustling and overcrowded city that in the 1599 a Swiss visitor actually
mentioned that, “one simply cannot walk along the streets for the crowds”.
Theatre
laygoing was part of the city's daily life and all levels of society shared the experiences of the theatre. Aristocrats were familiar with the dramas of the day from acting parts at school, seeing plays at Court and, later maybe even becoming patrons of the stage. Apprentices and merchants also enjoyed the theatre and often took an afternoon off work to go and see a play. The wealthy traders and manufactures had the money to go to
the theatre. Rich
noblemen often became patrons of theatre companies, giving financial and legal
support. Royalty also supported the theatre. From 1603 to 1613, Shakespeare’s
company played at the court of King James about 15 times per year. When
Shakespeare began working in London around 1588 nine new outdoor playhouses
were built.
River Thames
The River Thames was known as "the great highway of
London." The river was covered in light boats and state barges (used for ceremonial purposes). Licensed men would be hired on their
boats to the cry of "Eastward ho!" or "Westward ho!" and
were famous for their foul language. State funerals, royal pageants and civic
ceremonies were common occurrences on the river and provided occasion for grand
shows of splendour. The river was also an important means of transportation for
trading goods to and from London.
London Bridge
London Bridge was the only bridge in London. It joined the
City of London, on the north bank of the Thames, with Southwark on the south
bank, where the Globe Theatre was. It was about 800 feet long London Bridge was travellers'
main access to London city. Its southern gates also served as a warning point
to those who would threaten the authorities, they had heads of traitors impaled on
sticks, above the gates to represent the consequences. The bridge itself was home to many
shops and beneath, watermen had occasion to show off their boating skills
weaving through the narrow arches.
Shakespeare’s Living
Locations
Shakespeare lived and worked in London from about 1590 to
about 1613. He lived in 3 places, as we are aware of, St. Helens (mid-1590’s) +
Paris Gardens (1598-1602) + Silver Streets (1602-onwards)
