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.