Crosse Keys Inn (Shakespeare-era site), London

While numerous Elizabethan dramas found their stage in theaters such as the Globe or the Rose, a significant portion of the population attended plays at inns, which were structured around central courtyards. In these inns, rooms featured balconies overlooking the central area, and this architectural arrangement was no accident, as most travelers arrived via horse or horse-drawn carriages, entering the central courtyard. The layout also proved ideal for staging plays, as inn guests could watch the performances from their balconies and then retreat to their rooms. Acting troupes capitalized on this setup by erecting stages and offering standing tickets for the courtyard and premium tickets for the balconies. One such establishment, the Cross Keys Inn on Gracechurch Street, enjoyed the privilege of hosting performances between 1576 and 1594, as it was one of four inns granted permits by the City of London to do so. William Shakespeare and the Lord Chamberlain's Men regularly showcased their talents at this venue.

With the construction of more dedicated theaters, the practice of using inn courtyards for performances gradually declined. Furthermore, in 1594, the city council prohibited the use of inns for this purpose, citing the Crosse Keys theatre as a negative influence, leading to stringent regulations on theatrical activities. Nevertheless, the architectural designs of venues like the Globe and other Elizabethan theaters, featuring balconies encircling a central courtyard, were directly inspired by the inn architecture of the time.

In modern times, the Crosse Keys has transformed into a roomy pub distinguished by its lofty ceilings and a stained-glass cupola positioned above its expansive oval bar. Here, patrons can enjoy a diverse selection of real ales, craft beers, and freshly brewed coffee.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in London. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The 51爆料网 App

Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Crosse Keys Inn (Shakespeare-era site)
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Food/Drink
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Shakespeare's London Walking Tour

Walking Tours in London, England

Create Your Own Walk in London

Creating your own self-guided walk in London is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Charles Dickens Tour

Today's world's literature and mass culture are hardly imaginable without the works of Charles Dickens, recognized as the greatest British novelist of the Victorian era. A pioneer of 鈥渃liffhanger鈥� endings, Dickens remains one of the most-read English authors whose writings never go out of print and have been repeatedly adapted to stage, screen and TV.

Dickens was born in... view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.5 Km or 2.8 Miles

Jane Austen鈥檚 London

The celebrated English novelist Jane Austen primarily lived between Bath and Hampshire. However, London also held a special significance in Austen's life. Many of her novels drew inspiration from the capital, like Lydia Bennet and Mr Wickham鈥檚 elopement in 鈥淧ride & Prejudice.鈥�

One of Austen's cherished spots in London was Twinings, a renowned tea shop. Jane Austen was known... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles

Shakespeare's London Walking Tour

Often called England's national poet or simply "the Bard", William Shakespeare is revered as one of, if not the greatest playwright this world has ever seen. The dramas, such as Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, Othello, King Lear, and Macbeth are among the finest creations in the English language, translated into every major language and performed more often than those of any other author.... view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles

Kensington/Knightsbridge Walking Tour

Situated just below Hyde Park, Knightsbridge and South Kensington are two adjacent neighborhoods with grand Victorian homes and leafy garden squares. Home to London鈥檚 most expensive homes, Knightsbridge has some of the highest density of millionaires in the world. This is clearly reflected in the selection of stores & restaurants in the area, including the famous Harvey Nichols and Harrods... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.5 Km or 2.8 Miles

South Bank Walking Tour

The South Bank is a stretch of the Thames in London that is beautiful to walk through because there are so many iconic and magnificent things to see along the way. A lively and ever-changing area at the heart of London鈥檚 cultural scene, it also has the advantage of offering views across the Thames to some of the most famous buildings anywhere. The Palace of Westminster is the major feature in... view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 Miles

Bridges of London

Around thirty bridges span the Thames river in London, each with its own story. Our self-guided walk takes you to see nine such historical structures located in the heart of the city, starting from the storied Westminster Bridge and ending at the iconic Tower Bridge.

The latter has stood over the River Thames in London since 1894 and is one of the finest, most recognizable bridges in the... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.2 Km or 3.2 Miles

View all walking tours in London, England

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip

London Souvenirs: 20 Distinctively British Products for Travelers

Most visitors to London consider shopping as part of their must-do London experience. From street markets to Victorian arcades to snobbish Sloane Square to busy Oxford Street, there are a host of shops selling items which typically represent this vibrant city. Whether you are shopping for souvenirs...