Research Task - London

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)