Introduction
The Globe Theatre is an iconic Elizabethan theatre located in London, England. It was built in 1599 by the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, an acting company that included William Shakespeare. The theatre has been associated with some of the most famous works of English literature, including Romeo and Juliet, Julius Caesar, and Macbeth. Throughout its storied history, the Globe Theatre has been destroyed, rebuilt, and remodeled multiple times. This article will explore when the Globe Theatre was first constructed and examine the building process of this legendary venue.
A Historical Look at the Construction of the Globe Theatre
Before we can answer the question “when was the Globe Theatre built?”, it’s important to understand the historical context of the time period. During the Elizabethan era in England, theatres were becoming increasingly popular. In 1576, James Burbage opened the first theatre in London, called The Theatre. This was followed by the opening of the Curtain Theatre in Shoreditch in 1577. These venues provided an outlet for playwrights and actors to showcase their work.
The Lord Chamberlain’s Men, an acting company that included William Shakespeare, was formed in 1594. They performed at The Theatre until 1598 when the landlord refused to renew their lease. The company then decided to build their own theatre, which would become known as the Globe Theatre. The building process began in 1599 and was completed in 1614.
Timeline of the Globe Theatre’s Construction
To get a better understanding of when the Globe Theatre was built, let’s take a closer look at the timeline of its construction:
- 1599: Construction begins on the Globe Theatre.
- 1600: The Globe Theatre opens for the first time.
- 1613: The Globe Theatre is destroyed by a fire caused by a stage cannon during a performance of Henry VIII.
- 1614: The Globe Theatre is rebuilt, featuring a two-story facade and a large, circular yard.
- 1642: The Globe Theatre is closed down due to the Puritan government’s ban on theatre performances.
- 1644: The Globe Theatre is demolished.
Exploring the Foundations of the Globe Theatre
In order to understand when the Globe Theatre was built, it’s important to have an understanding of the building process. Before construction could begin, the Lord Chamberlain’s Men had to find a suitable location for the theatre. They eventually settled on a plot of land near the River Thames, which was owned by Richard Burbage, the brother of James Burbage, who had opened The Theatre.
The next step was to acquire the necessary materials for the construction of the theatre. The company hired Peter Streete, a carpenter, to construct the building. He used oak beams and boards for the framework of the building, and wattle and daub for the walls. The roof was made from canvas and straw, and the stage was made from timber. Finally, the theatre was painted and decorated with flags and banners.
Examining the Building Process of the Globe Theatre
Once the materials had been acquired and the building was constructed, the theatre was ready to open. However, before it could do so, the Lord Chamberlain’s Men had to obtain a license from the Master of Revels, a government official responsible for regulating entertainment in England. Once they received the license, the theatre was officially opened in 1600.
The Globe Theatre was a unique structure, unlike any other theatre of its time. It was built in the shape of an octagon, with three levels of seating and a large, circular yard in the center. The stage was located at the back of the theatre, and the audience sat in the yard, which was open to the elements. The theatre also featured a balcony, which was used by the upper classes to watch the performances.
Conclusion
The Globe Theatre is one of the most iconic venues in the world. It has been associated with some of the greatest works of English literature, and it stands as a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of the Elizabethan people. Now that we know when the Globe Theatre was built and how it was constructed, we can better appreciate this historic venue.
In conclusion, the Globe Theatre was built in 1599 and completed in 1614. It was constructed using oak beams and boards, wattle and daub, canvas, straw, and timber. Its unique structure featured a large, circular yard and a three-level seating area. Finally, the theatre was officially opened in 1600 after receiving a license from the Master of Revels.
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