1623. All Hallows. The play performed was the “Maid of the Mill.” The prince being present only.
1633. On Saturday, the 17th of November, being the Queen’s birthday, “Richard the Third” was acted by the K. players at St. James’s, when the King and Queene were present, “it being the first play the Queene sawe since Her Mrys. delivery of the Duke of York, 1633.”
“1633. On Tuesday night, at Saint James, the 26th of November, 1633, was acted before the King and Queen ‘The Taminge of the Shrew.’ Likt.”
“November 28th, 1633. ‘The Tamer Tamed, or, The Woman’s Prize.’ Very well likt.”
Several other plays were performed at St. James’s Palace by the King’s players.
SOMERSET HOUSE
Old Somerset House, sometimes called Denmark House, in honour of the Queen of James the First, was situated in the Strand on the same site as the modern Somerset House. This palace was built by the great Duke of Somerset called the Protector; he was the ill-fated brother of Jane Seymour. In the erection of this building many well known palaces and houses were demolished, including the palaces of the Bishops of Worcester, Chester, Llandaff, Lichfield, also the Strand Inn and the Parish Church of St. Mary’s. The great Duke never lived to see his magnificent house completed; arrested on a charge of high treason, he was beheaded in 1552. The Palace, when finished, was frequently the residence of Queen Elizabeth, and in later years was inhabited by the Queens of Charles I and Charles II. This palace was not the favourite residence of Elizabeth, she preferring the more fashionable quarters of Whitehall and St. James’s. Old Somerset House was pulled down in 1776, and the present building was commenced under the superintendence of the architect, Sir William Chambers. Old Somerset House consisted of one large and principal quadrangle, called the Upper Court, facing the Strand. In the southern front of the quadrangle were the Guard Chambers, with a waiting room. The Privy Chamber and the Presence Chamber from the west end of which a flight of stone steps led down into the garden, on the western side. In the south-east angle were situated the private apartments of the Queen. Facing the Strand was a variety of other buildings occupied by members of the Court, also the Yellow Room, the Cross Gallery, and the Long Gallery, this last, no doubt, being the chamber where plays and masques were held. These entertainments attracted a vast throng of courtiers and their friends, especially on those nights when the King and Queen attended in person.
THE
PASSIONATE
LOVERS,