Have you ever wondered about the hidden history beneath your feet? Right here in Central Bankside stands a building with a rich past. Central Bankside wasn’t always a university. For centuries it was part of a vibrant and sometimes scandalous area. This district of Southwark has a history stretching back to Roman times. Around 50 AD Roman soldiers built a bridge near present-day London Bridge. Its southern entrance became Southwark. Bankside’s location made it strategically important. Rebel forces occupied the area repeatedly. William I destroyed Southwark in 1066. Barons rebelling against Henry III occupied it in 1264. Even Jack Cade’s 1450 tax revolt saw his army camped in Southwark.
By the 16th century Bankside’s reputation had shifted. It became famous for its theatres brothels and entertainment. This area was outside the city walls. It attracted those who sought freedom from strict rules. Playwrights like Shakespeare and Jonson found inspiration in this unconventional environment. Philip Henslowe owned a brothel called Little Rose. He also owned the Rose Theatre built in 1587. The most famous Bankside theatre is of course the Globe. It opened in 1598-1599. Shakespeare’s acting company performed there. Many of his plays premiered at the Globe. River taxis ferried theatregoers from the north bank to Bankside. These theatres could hold up to 10000 guests. The Globe sadly burned down in 1613. It was rebuilt maintaining its original size and shape.
Central Bankside’s history is not just about grand theatres. It also includes the Clink a prison built in the 12th century. The Clink had lax security. Father Thomas Leak a Catholic priest frequented Bankside theatres on day release. The Clink operated until 1780. Rioters burnt it down during protests against the Catholic Relief Act. Bankside’s lively past is reflected in literature. Ben Jonson’s Bartholomew Fair mentions Bankside. James Shirley’s The Doubtful Heir comments on Bankside’s audiences. John Taylor’s journal mentions Bankside. The Owles Almanacke predicted a Bankside fair.
Bankside’s association with entertainment continues. The Tate Modern a national modern art museum opened there in 2000. It’s housed in a former power station. The Tate Modern stands near the reconstructed Globe Theatre. Today Central Bankside thrives as a hub for education and the arts. It reflects Bankside’s enduring spirit. A spirit of creativity and independence. A legacy stretching from Roman times to the present day. It’s a legacy found here in Central Bankside.