SE1 Bear Pit is now an ancient monument

The street name is a strong clue to what lies beneath. Bear Gardens in SE1, partially covers the remains of the Hope Playhouse on Bankside; the remains of which have just been awarded ancient monument status.

Philip Henslowe and two partners entered into a contract in 1613 for a building to be jointly used as a playhouse and bear baiting arena. Bear baiting was popular pastime in Elizabethan and Jacobean times. In Bartholomew Fair - the first play ever to be staged in the theatre - playwright Ben Jonson makes reference to the pungent, animal smell in the auditorium, likening it to Smithfield Market.

The remains of the Hope Playhouse will now join the ranks of two other Bankside playhouses, the Rose and the Globe. Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, says "their cultural importance, particularly their connections with Shakespeare and Marlowe, means they deserve protection as part of England's precious historic fabric."

London's South Bank is an area where some of the world's greatest stories were first told and it is every bit as vibrant today as it was in the early 17th century. If you want to be a part of south London's thriving cultural scene, visit Daniel Cobb's London Bridge office and ask about South Bank property to rent or buy. 

For information of the type of Central London property best suited for you read What is leasehold and freehold property?. If you're a first time buyer you might like to explore your options by reading Tips for first time buyers of London property.

"The remains of the Hope Playhouse and three of Bankside's notorious bear-baiting pits have been scheduled as an ancient monument by the Government."

http://www.london-se1.co.uk/news/view/8933