its name implies, originally a cockpit, the sign of which was probably the Phoenix. Camden's Annals tell us that it was built or rebuilt before 1617, when it was destroyed by a mob, and again in 1649 through sectarian influence by soldiers. Rhodes, a bookseller, rebuilt it at the Restoration and soon vacated it. Sir William Davenant, with a company containing Betterton and Kynaston, acted here until 1662. The first printed play, Shirley's "Wedding," 1629, was performed at the Cockpit, and the actors at this house received the special title of "The Queen's Servants," in the reign of James I., until the death of his Consort, Anne of Denmark, when they were called "The Lady Elizabeth's Servants;" and after the marriage of Charles I. they regained their former title of "The Queen's Players."

THE FORTUNE THEATRE in Whitecross Street, was, according to Maitland, the oldest in London. Its real theatrical history may, however be said to commence in 1599, when Edward Alleyne, the actor, and founder of Dulwich College, rebuilt it to a great extent, and converted what had been the old nursery for the children of Henry VIII. into a play

house. The following quaint memorandum

occurs in Alleyne's pocket-book recording the transaction.

What the Fortune cost me, Nov. 1599—
First, for the Leas to Brew

£240

Then, for building the Playhouse

520

For other privat buildings of myn owne

120

So it hath cost me in all for the leasse

£880

Bought the inheritance of the land of the Gills, of the Isle of Man, within the Fortune, and all the Houses in Whight Crosstreet and Goulding-lane, in June, 1610, for the some of £340.

Bought John Garret's lease in reversion from the Gills, for 21 years, for £100. So in all it hath cost me £1,320.

Blessed be the Lord God everlasting.

The Fortune was a round brick building of considerable size. It was burned down in 1621, with all the players' books and dresses, "wherebye those poore companions are quite undone," as a Mr. John Chamberlain says, in a description of the fire written to Sir Dudley Carleton, dated December 15th, 1621. The theatre was afterwards rebuilt, according to Prynne, but we are not concerned in its future history, as it does not belong to Shakspeare's time.

THE RED BULL THEATRE, St. John Street, Clerkenwell, was originally an inn-yard permanently adapted for theatrical purposes, and rebuilt, in or about 1633, on its old site. The King's company, under Killigrew, performed here until Drury Lane was made ready for their reception. It was famous for the representation of drolls during the civil wars.

The cut which we annex is a fac-simile of a representation of the interior of the Red Bull, and is interesting as preserving the appearance of the stage and disposition of the audience in ancient playhouses. The date of the original block is 1672, and it served as an embellishment to a collection of drolls, or comic interludes, published by Francis Kirkman. The comedian who is represented as playing Simpleton the Smith is one Robert Cox, a favourite actor and author.

THE GLOBE THEATRE was probably not built until 1596, and the original theatre was a very primitive structure indeed, being open to the sky for the greater part, and partly thatched with reeds. It was destroyed by fire in 1613, by reason of the wadding of some pieces of ordnance, discharged in the course of