Globe Theatre Dimensions
Interesting information about
the Globe Theatre Dimensions during the life and times of William Shakespeare and the Globe
Theatre of Elizabethan London, England
Globe Theatre Dimensions
As the following
information will explain, the exact dimensions of the Globe
stage cannot be accurately specified. The Globe Theatre Dimensions
have been estimated as follows:
-
Diameter Dimensions
of the Globe - 100 feet in diameter
-
Circumference -
300 feet
-
Height of the
stage - approx 5 feet
-
Width of Stage - approx 45 foot wide
-
Length
of the stage - approx 30 feet long
-
Roof span - 46
feet
Establishing the Globe Theatre Dimensions
The Globe Theatre Dimensions
have been established by examining documentary evidence,
such as building contracts and accounts together with
illustrated map views of the Globe Theatre.
Establishing the Globe Theatre Dimensions
- the Drawing of the Swan Theatre
There are no illustrations
of the interior of the Globe Theatre however, a picture of another
Elizabethan theatre, the Swan, has survived. The theatres were all
similar in design, so the picture of the Swan Theatre, at the top of the
page, can be used a good guide to the structure and dimensions of the
original Globe Theatre. A picture of the Swan Theatre was drawn in 1596
by a Dutch traveller and student called Johannes de Witt who attended a
play at the Swan Theatre in London. Whilst he was at the theatre de Witt
made a sketch of the inside of the Swan providing an insight into the
dimensions. A friend of Johannes de Witt called Arend van Buchell copied
the sketch and Johannes de Witt added this drawing to his diary. His
diary note, together with the sketch, is probably the single most
important source of information regarding the internal layout of London
theatres and has no doubt helped with the reconstruction and
establishing the original Globe Theatre dimensions.
Establishing the Globe Theatre Dimensions
- the illustrated Map views of the Globe
The following illustrated
map views of London in the 1600's have helped to establish the
dimensions of the original Globe Theatre:
-
The Visscher -
drawn in 1616 by Claes Van Visscher showing the architecture
and location of the old Globe Theatre and its proximity to
the Bear Garden which was later replaced by the Fortune
Theatre
-
The Hollar -
drawn circa 1640 by Czech born engraver Wenceslaus Hollar.
Depicts the re-built Globe and the Bear-baiting arena
-
The Agas - The
Civitas Londonium map engraving printed in 1633 and
associated with the name of Ralph Agas. Based on a map
produced by Braun and Hopenberg between 1554-1572 and
features the bull and bear-bating arenas
-
The Norden - The
Civitas Londini map engraving printed in 1600 based on
drawings by John Norden . Features The Rose Theatre
Picture of the Globe Theatre
London Map by Claes Van Visscher
London, England, 1616
Globe Theatre Dimensions
Interesting Facts and information
about the Globe Theatre Dimensions.
Additional details, facts and information about the
Globe Theatre can be accessed via the Globe Theatre Sitemap.
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