Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, London
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre (GPS: 51.50807, -0.09719) is a theatre associated with William Shakespeare. In fact is is one of three theatres in London associated with Shakespeare. These are:
- The original Globe Theatre built in 1599 by the company to which Shakespeare belonged, and destroyed by fire on June 29, 1613.
- The Globe Theatre that was rebuilt in June 1614 and closed in 1642.
- A modern reconstruction of the original Globe, named "Shakespeare's Globe Theatre" or the "New Globe Theatre," opened in 1997. It is located approximately 205 metres from the site of the original theatre off Park Street.
The Globe Theatre was owned by many actors, who (except for one) were also shareholders in the Lord Chamberlain's Men, the company where William Shakespeare worked as an actor and playwright. Two of the six shareholders, Richard Burbage and his brother Cuthbert Burbage, owned double shares, or 25% each; while the remaining four, Shakespeare, John Heminges, Augustine Phillips, and Thomas Pope, owned a single share, or 12.5%. William Kempe was originally intended to be the seventh partner, but he sold out his share to the four minority sharers, leaving them with more than the originally planned 10%. That was the original proportion. It changed with time, with Shakespeare's share diminishing from 1/8 to 1/14, or roughly 7%, over the course of his career.
The Globe was built in 1599 using timber from an earlier theatre, called quite simply The Theatre, which had been built by Richard Burbage's father, James Burbage, in Shoreditch in 1576. The Burbages held a 21-year lease of the site on which The Theatre was built. They dismantled The Theatre beam by beam and transported it over the Thames to reconstruct it as The Globe. For that reason, the Burbage brothers held half the shares of the Globe Theatre.
The Globe Theatre went up in flames on 29 June, 1613, during a performance of Henry the Eighth. It was due to a misfiring of the theatrical cannon. It ignited the wooden beams and thatching. Nobody was hurt except for a man who attempted to put out his burning breeches with a bottle of ale.
Like all the other theatres in London, the Globe was closed down by the Puritans in 1642. This was after it was rebuilt in 1614. Two years later, in 1644, it was demolished to make room for tenements. Its exact location remained unknown until 1989, when remnants of its foundations were discovered beneath the car park of Anchor Terrace on Park Street. The shape of the foundations are replicated in the surface of the car park. There may be further remains of the original Globe Theatre beneath the 18th century Anchor Terrace building. However Anchor Terrace itself is listed as a heritage structure and therefore cannot be disturbed by archaeologists.
More information for visiting London
Here are some related articles to help you get to know London better.
- Cost of Living in London: Discover the true cost of living in London, including housing, transport, groceries, and more - plus tips for budgeting in one of the world's most expensive cities.
- Driving in London: Planning to drive in London? Learn about roads, car rentals, parking, tolls, and key tips for tourists and visitors from outside the capital.
- Driving Tips for Visiting London: Thinking of driving to London? Discover the best times to travel, congestion tips, parking apps, breakdown help, and petrol advice for a smoother journey.
- Evolution of London's Streets: Discover the fascinating history of how London's streets developed from ancient footpaths to today's complex network of roads across the capital.
- History of Immigration to London: Discover the rich history of immigration to London, from Huguenots to Bangladeshis, and how diverse communities have shaped the city's vibrant identity.
- How Big Is London Compared to Other World Cities?
- How London's Streets Measure Up: A Global Comparison of Road Widths
- How Streets of London are Named: Discover how London streets get their names, who decides them, and how historic, political, and public influences shape street naming in the capital.
- How the Grosvenor Family Came to Own Much of Mayfair, Belgravia and Pimlico: Explore how the Grosvenor family came to own much of Mayfair, Belgravia, and Pimlico, and learn about their historical connection (or lack thereof) with the British royal family and government.
- Living and working in London
- London's Quiet Collapse: How Living Standards Fell as Costs Skyrockted (1975-2025): Explore how London residents endured rising costs and falling living standards from 1975 to 2025 - from rocketing rents to wage stagnation and inflation.
- Marvel of the London Underground: Discover the history, challenges, and triumphs of the London Underground - the world's first underground railway and a vital transport lifeline for the UK capital since 1863.
- Moving to London: Expat Tips for Settling in Westminster: Essential advice for expats moving to London's Westminster: neighborhood insights, cost of living, transportation, housing, healthcare, schools, and tips to help you feel at home in the heart of the city.
- Places in London that aren't pronounced the way they're spelled
- Shopping in London: Discover London's diverse shopping scene
- Taking the bus in London: This is your complete guide to taking the bus when in London.
- The Anglican Faith: A Visitor's Guide to the Church of England: Learn about the Anglican faith and its deep ties to London's landmarks like Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral.
- Top 10 London Streets Every Visitor Must See: Discover London through its most iconic thoroughfares - 10 streets every visitor must experience. From historic Abbey Road to vibrant Camden High Street, explore culture, shopping, and hidden gems.
- Why are most roads in Central London so narrow? Learn why there are so few multi-lane roads and elevated highways in the heart of the city.