Sample site: Blackfriars Theatre 1 (AQA GCSE History): Revision Notes
Sample site: Blackfriars Theatre 1
Introduction
Blackfriars Theatre serves as an excellent example of how buildings and their functions changed during Elizabeth I's reign. This theatre demonstrates the transformation of religious sites into secular entertainment venues, reflecting the broader cultural shifts happening in Elizabethan England.
The shift from religious to secular use of buildings was a common phenomenon throughout Elizabethan England, as the dissolution of monasteries created opportunities for new purposes and ownership structures.
Historical context and background
The story of Blackfriars Theatre begins long before the Elizabethan era. The original Blackfriars monastery was first built in 1278 and housed Dominican monks (known as Black Friars because of their dark clothing). This religious community flourished for centuries until major changes swept across England.
Under Henry VIII's reign, the monastery faced dissolution as part of the king's break with the Catholic Church. When the monastery was dissolved, the building and surrounding land were sold off to private buyers. This represented a significant shift from religious to secular ownership, setting the stage for its later transformation into a place of entertainment.
The dissolution of monasteries under Henry VIII was not just a religious change - it created a massive redistribution of property and wealth that fundamentally altered how buildings and land were used throughout England.
The site's conversion to theatrical use happened in two distinct phases. The first, smaller theatre operated between 1576 and 1584, featuring performances by boy actors who entertained audiences in what had once been a sacred space. Later, the more famous second theatre was established when James Burbage purchased the upper part of the former monastery in 1596.
Location and significance
Blackfriars Theatre enjoyed a prime location that contributed greatly to its success. Situated near the banks of the River Thames, it was positioned within the walled City of London, where many wealthy nobles and merchants lived. This central location made it easily accessible to London's elite, who could afford the higher ticket prices.
The theatre's location within the City of London walls was particularly significant because this area was home to the wealthiest citizens, including merchants, nobles, and court officials who had both the means and inclination to attend theatrical performances regularly.
The theatre's proximity to other major Elizabethan playhouses south of the Thames, including the Swan, the Globe, the Bear Garden, and the Rose, created a thriving entertainment district. However, Blackfriars' location within the city walls gave it certain advantages, particularly during winter months when outdoor theatres struggled with weather conditions.
Function and evolution
The primary function of both Blackfriars theatres was to provide entertainment for paying audiences, but this function evolved significantly over time. The venue paid theatrical companies, such as Oxford's Boys, and famous individual actors, including Nathaniel Field, to perform for audiences who paid admission to see the plays.
The theatre's business model was quite profitable for its time. Owners could earn £13.00 from a single performance, which represented a substantial sum in the Elizabethan period. Initially, admission cost 4 pence, though this price increased over time, making the theatre primarily accessible to wealthier social classes rather than ordinary working people.
Business Model Example: Theatre Profitability
A single performance earning £13.00 in Elizabethan times was equivalent to several weeks' wages for a skilled craftsman. With admission at 4 pence per person, this meant approximately 780 audience members would need to attend to generate this revenue, demonstrating the theatre's substantial capacity and popularity.
A major change occurred from 1576 onwards when Richard Farrant began staging plays in a converted refectory for paying audiences. This marked a shift from the earlier focus on boy actors to a broader range of professional theatrical performances, including works by renowned Elizabethan playwrights such as William Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe, and Ben Jonson.
Structure and physical characteristics
The two Blackfriars theatres differed significantly in their physical structure and capacity. Both were built within the original monastic buildings, constructed from stone blocks approximately three feet wide, showing how the mediaeval architecture was adapted for Elizabethan entertainment.
The smaller, earlier theatre was housed in an upper room measuring about long and wide. This intimate space created a close relationship between performers and audience members, quite different from the large outdoor amphitheatres of the time.
The larger, second theatre was much more impressive in scale. Built as a roofed theatre, it measured around long and wide, with high ceilings that allowed for elaborate staging. James Burbage constructed two galleries within this space to accommodate larger audiences and increase revenue potential.
Being a roofed theatre gave Blackfriars enormous advantages over outdoor venues. It allowed for year-round performances regardless of weather, more sophisticated lighting effects, better acoustics, and protection for both performers and audiences from the elements.
The second theatre, completed in 1596, could house between 600 to 1000 audience members, making it one of the larger indoor venues of its time. Being roofed provided significant advantages over outdoor theatres, allowing for year-round performances regardless of weather conditions and enabling the use of more sophisticated lighting and staging effects.
Timeline of major events
- 1278: Original Blackfriars monastery constructed
- 1530s: Monastery dissolved under Henry VIII; buildings sold to private owners
- 1576: First theatre established; boy actors begin performing
- 1584: First theatre closes
- 1596: James Burbage purchases upper part of monastery
- 1596: Second, larger Blackfriars Theatre opens
- Late 1590s onwards: Theatre hosts works by Shakespeare, Marlowe, and Jonson
Key Points to Remember:
-
Blackfriars Theatre exemplifies the transformation from religious to secular use during the Elizabethan period, showing how dissolved monastery buildings were repurposed for entertainment
-
The theatre's location within the wealthy City of London made it accessible to elite audiences who could afford higher admission prices, reflecting the social stratification of Elizabethan entertainment
-
The venue evolved from hosting boy actors in a small space to accommodating major theatrical companies in a much larger, purpose-built indoor theatre
-
Being a roofed theatre gave Blackfriars significant advantages over outdoor venues, allowing year-round performances and more sophisticated staging techniques
-
The theatre's commercial success, earning up to £13.00 per performance, demonstrates the growing profitability of Elizabethan entertainment and the emergence of theatre as a serious business venture