The second Fortune Theatre, 1621.
This contract is noteworthy as affording the means in some measure of reconstructing the Globe, also corroborating the evidence of the Swan sketch, especially with regard to the auditorium, which corresponds in most particulars with the plans formulated in the Fortune indenture. During Henslowe’s lifetime—he died in 1616—the only company of players which appeared at the Fortune were those of the Lord Admiral, which in former days had their headquarters at the Rose. The last entry in Henslowe’s Diary is a note detailing the accounts received from the Fortune in 1608, beginning at the Christmas holidays.
For many years past the Diary had ceased chronicling the name of the plays acted day by day, as we find in the Rose accounts, consequently nothing is known of the repertoire of this theatre. The Admiral’s men continued acting at this house until its total destruction by fire in 1621. Allen notifies this event in his diary. “This night at 12 of the clock the Fortune was burnt.”
On the death of his father-in-law, Allen took control of all his property, either by bequest or in right of his wife. The estate included the Fortune Theatre. Henslowe’s will was at first disputed by his nephew, John Henslowe; this action must have failed, as Allen became the sole possessor of his father-in-law’s property.
SWEINAM,
THE
Woman-hater,
ARRAIGNED BY
WOMEN.
A new Comedie,