Shakespeare's Globe Centre(USA) Centre for Globe Research

Rebuilding Shakespeare's Globe

Surviving Contemporary Buildings

Research into the nature and methods of construction used for the Globe concentrated on making comparisons with buildings of the same form or function as the Globe, built at a similar time and in the same geographical area. As no surviving buildings mat all three criteria, buildings were chosen that met two of the three.

Polygonal corners

The only remaining polygonal structures are octagonal market-cross buildings such as this one at Wymondham, Norfolk. The configuration could not use the common dovetail lap joint without it being severely weakened. Structural failure of the original jointing in some of these buildings has become apparent over time. At the Globe the wall plates are securely jointed into the tie beam on the polygonal angle.

Stairs

Archaeological excavations and contemporary panoramic views implied that the Globe's two external staircases were quite small and steep. Safety regulations have had to take precedence over strict authenticity, and the stair widths have been dictated by escape flows. The resulting dimensions are very similar to those found in a stair at Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge, Chingford, built in the mid-sixteenth century.

Balusters

Archaeologists from the Museum of London found part of a baluster while they were excavating the Rose theatre. The drawing was used as a pattern for the balusters that have been built into the gallery guarding. Balusters are made from carefully chosen straight-grained green English oak, cleaved to size and turned by hand on a pole lathe.

Cornices

Architectural ornament, such as cornices, were integrated into the structural timbers and augmented with planted-on boarding. The ornament cannot therefore be separated from the structural considerations. Shown is a cornice from the Great Gatehouse of St. Bartholomew's which was built in the City of London in the early seventeenth century.

Jetties

Market Hall from Titchfield, now rebuilt at the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum, Singleton. The Globe's frame adopted the same form. The jetty shortens the height of the posts and gives a constructional break at each level. During construction of the frame, the builder is able to complete the lower floor, including floor joists and boarding, before laying a new beam on the jetty edge and starting the next story. The jetty thus gives rise to a very useful working platform.

Staved walling

Wall panels between the main structural timbers can be made in a number of ways. Brick infill, wattle-and-daub and lath-and-plaster are the most common.

Shown is a section of old walling that has been left open to view after refurbishment of Canonbury Tower in north London (started in 1523). Careful study revealed a main post and beam and a smaller secondary element: a stave. The same construction is used at the Globe, where the main posts are widely spaced to give roughly square panels. These are then filled with small section staves at close centres which are then faced with laths. On the completed building the staves are covered by plaster; only the main posts and beams are visible.

Galleries

Oxford Inn, built close to St. Paul's Cathedral in the late seventeenth century, has a type of galleried yard that was once very common. Two levels of balustraded open gallery can be seen. The sizes, dimensions and configuration of galleries implied by the Peter Street's Fortune theatre contract, see previous page, are confirmed by the Oxford Inn.

Questions? Email the Research Archive(globe@deans.umd.edu)
Updated on: 1 March 2002