Rose Theatre, London

The Rose was an Elizabethan theatre built very near the site of the original Globe. It went up in 1587, ten years or more before the Globe opened its doors. Its early years saw a series of acting companies pass through, and times were tough. The early 1590s saw a severe outbreak of the bubonic plague in London, and the theatre was closed for several seasons.

When it did open back up and had gained popularity, the Lord Admiral's Men worked at the Rose for seven years. At their height of popularity, they performed 36 plays, 20 of them new works. The Lord Admiral's Men were formed by some members of the Lord Chamberlain's Men in 1591.

The Rose is notable because it was here that Shakespeare's plays were first performed. It was the success of the Rose that led to the creation of the more famous Globe Theatre.

Archaeologists discovered the remains of The Rose in 1989. It couldn't have happened at a better time, because during this same time, actor Sam Wanamaker and his team were working and researching the recreation of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre.

Unfortunately, the site was found while working on a new building development. Thanks to all stakeholders' tireless work, the proposed building was built. But construction was completed in a way that preserved the theatre's remains.

Today the site of the Rose is marked by a plaque at the street. You can tour the area that archaeologists discovered, outlined with lights to make it easier to envision. Many of the artifacts unearthed here are on display. Most of the original floorplan is evident, and visitors can see it first-hand along with interpretive exhibits.