HAMPTON COURT
From various documentary records there is certain proof that many of the London theatrical companies acted at Hampton Court during the Shakesperean era. Hampton Court was a favourite residence both of Elizabeth and James, and in addition the Great Hall was more suitable for the representation of plays and masques than any other royal residence. Originally this palace belonged to the great Cardinal Wolsey, who commenced the building in 1515 in a truly regal manner, and it was ready for occupation in the following year. The Palace contained over eleven hundred rooms, furnished in the most elaborate and elegant style, equal in magnificence to any Court throughout Europe. After occupying this ideal residence for a period of ten years, Wolsey presented the entire building to his sovereign, King Henry the Eighth, who graciously accepted his subject’s munificent gift, which for evermore became the property of the Crown.
The chief interest to Shakespereans is the Great Hall, a chamber of magnificent dimensions, this Hall being considered one of the finest existing examples of Gothic architecture. The length of the Hall is one hundred and eighteen feet, with a height of ninety-two feet.
One beautiful window nearly reaches the entire height of the Hall; five other superb windows encircle the building. In the alcoves of the Hall are shapely octagonal turrets, which reach to the extremity of the roof. The interior of the building is no less remarkable for its beauty. The first impression is one of dazzling brilliancy, and on further investigation the richness of all the details enhances the grandeur of this majestic state apartment. That such a noble work of art should come down to us in nearly all its ancient splendour is indeed fortunate.
THE
FAIRE MAIDE
of Bristovv.
As it was plaide at Hampton, before the King and Queenes most excellent Maiesties.
Printed at London for Thomas Pauyer, and are to be solde at his shop, at the entrance into the Exchange 1605.
(Original Image)
No trace remains of the rich stained glass, but after the lapse of centuries that need cause no wonder: the miracle is that as much remains for our admiration.
The large bay window contained fully eight lights, which reflected on the dais, where stood the King’s table. At the lower end of the Hall was fixed a screen of beautiful oak, before which a platform was raised for the actors, who here performed their comedies and tragedies, masques, and other kinds of entertainments. Over the screen was a balcony, called the Minstrels’ Gallery, which was reached by a small staircase.
Mention must be made of the magnificent roof, the most ornate of this particular style which still exists, for richness of detail and elaborate carving it remains unrivalled. Although we do not possess actual proof, we can confidently maintain that Shakespeare acted on several occasions under this noble roof, and also produced many of his immortal plays before the royal audience.
Lord Charles Howard’s men performed a play before the Queen in 1576. This Lord Howard was Baron Howard of Effingham. In the early years of Elizabeth’s reign Lord Howard’s men are styled the Lord Chamberlain’s men.
Lord Strange’s men were paid £20 and given £10 reward on March the 7th, 1593, for three plays presented at Hampton Court on St. John’s Night, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. This extract is taken from Chalmer’s Apology. The names of the plays are not recorded. Shakespeare was a member of Lord Strange’s company, and probably acted on this occasion.
The Earl of Warwick’s servants were paid a reward for acting before the Queen at Hampton Court in the Christmas Holydays; the name of the play was the “Painter’s Daughter.”
Lord Rich’s players were paid £6 13s. 4d. for presenting plays before the Queen on St. Stephen’s Day at night. Lord Rich’s company was quite an unimportant one, and was unknown in London; they acted at Hampton Court in 1569 and again in 1570. Court performances were frequently given here during the reigns of James I and Charles I.