The Hope of Old Maps of London
The Hope was a theater in London, built at the time of Jacobus I, in the flourishing season of the English Renaissance Theater.
The Hope was built in 1613-1614 on behalf of London businessman, theater builder and impresario Philip Henslowe with as partner Jacob Meade.
The building is astonishing at the place of the former Beargarden in Bankside, Southwark, on the southern banks of the Thames, outside the city's administrative area. Henslowe has been financially involved in the Beargarden since 1594. The venue was used for entertainment in the form of 'animal sports', which consisted of fighting between dogs on the one hand and bulls and bears on the other. In August 1613, Henslowe instructed the carpenter and contractor Gilbert Katherens to demolish the building and create a theater that could serve for multiple purposes. Construction costs amounted to £ 360.
The construction lasted more than a year, possibly because it coincided with the rebuilding of the Globe Theater in 1613, in the same district. The delay may also arise because Henslowe made special demands on the new building. It should not only serve as theater but also offer shelter to the "animal sports" as previously done in the Beargarden. Space had to be created for animal shelters and the scene had to be moved. Furthermore, Henslowe suggested that the design should match the appearance of his former The Rose theater building.
The Hope opened in October 1614. On October 31, it took place the premiere of the Bartholomew Fair of Ben Jonson, by the company Lady Elizabeth's Men. Jonson noticed in the printed text that The Hope was smelly as Smithfield and stinking every whit. The London Smithfield district was home to cattle markets and slaughterhouses, and executions took place. )
After the death of Henslowe in 1616, his son-in-law, actor Edward Alleyn inherited his share in the building, which subsequently leased it to Meade. The Hope was then used for both purposes, although the actors were increasingly unhappy with it. In the long run, it was mainly used for other forms of entertainment.
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