1640. A warrant for £60 unto the company of the Prince’s players for three plays acted at Richmond at £20 each play, in consideration of their travelling expenses and loss of the days at home.
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.