The Birth of Modern Theatreland: Covent Garden and the Two Theatres Royal - Professor Simon Thurley

TL;DR

This content discusses the history of Covent Garden and the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane, from its purchase by Henry VIII to its development by monarchs and the building of a new theater by Thomas Killigrew and Christopher Wren.

Transcript

in my last lecture I presented this plan which I particularly proud of because I didn't think anyone had drawn it before what this plan shows just to remind you is the the the base material upon which the West End was founded and this is the manor of Westminster that was purchased by Henry the 8th and then subsequently developed by the by the Stuar... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ Covent Garden was purchased by Henry VIII and developed by subsequent monarchs.
• ❤️‍🔥 The Theatre Royal in Drury Lane was built by Thomas Killigrew and later rebuilt by Christopher Wren after a fire.
• 🧑‍🏭 The theater attracted the upper class and became a hub for playwrights, actors, and the literati of the time.

Questions & Answers

Q: Who purchased Covent Garden and developed it?

Covent Garden was purchased by Henry VIII and subsequently developed by monarchs, with the Earl of Bedford owning the central 40 acres.

Q: How did the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane come to be?

Thomas Killigrew built the original Theatre Royal, which burned down in 1672. Christopher Wren was then commissioned to rebuild it.

Q: Who frequented the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane?

The theater became a popular destination for the upper class, including the king himself. Playwrights, actors, and the literati of the time were also regular attendees.

Q: What happened to Covent Garden after the theater was built?

Covent Garden became a bustling area with a market, spoiling the appearance of the Piazza but earning increasing income for its owners, the Earls of Bedford.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Covent Garden was purchased by Henry VIII and subsequently developed by monarchs, including the Earl of Bedford owning the 40 acres at the heart of Covent Garden today.

• Thomas Killigrew built the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane in the 17th century, which burned down in 1672 and was rebuilt by Christopher Wren.

• The theater became a popular destination for the upper class, attracting playwrights, actors, and the king himself.