Imagine horses clopping down cobbled streets. The air buzzes with anticipation for the next play. Right here, a blue plaque marks the Site of Crosskeys Inn. It was once a bustling hub of Elizabethan theatre.
The Cross Keys Inn was more than just a place to rest. It was a stage for some of England’s earliest theatrical performances. Before purpose-built playhouses like the Globe, inn-yards like this one were the place to be.
Located on Gracechurch Street, the Cross Keys Inn played a vital role. It circumvented restrictions placed on play acting within the City of London. The Chamberlain’s Men, Shakespeare’s own troupe, regularly performed here. They brought their stories to life in the inn’s courtyard.
Picture the scene: a temporary stage erected on trestles. Spectators crammed into the cobbled yard. Wealthier patrons might pay extra for a spot on the balcony. Up to 500 people could gather here. They watched plays unfold amidst the hustle and bustle of the inn.
The Cross Keys Inn wasn’t just about plays. There was gambling and bear baiting. It was a place of varied entertainment. The inn even had its own celebrity horse, Maracco. William Bankes and his talented horse regularly performed here.
The Cross Keys Inn served as an Elizabethan theatre from 1576 to 1594. The City of London started regulating inn-yard activities in 1574. This led to the rise of covered playhouses and open amphitheatres. These new venues eventually replaced inn-yards.
The original Cross Keys Inn met a fiery end. It was destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666. Rebuilt, it burned down again in 1734. Yet again, it was rebuilt. By the late 1800s, it became a well-known coaching inn. It catered to around 40 coaches each day.
Today, a Wetherspoon’s pub called The Crosse Keys stands nearby. It occupies a former bank building. The pub’s name is a nod to the historic inn. The Crosskeys Inn got its name from the keys of heaven. St Peter holds these crossed keys in the Holy See’s coat of arms.
While the original inn is gone, its legacy lives on. The Site of Crosskeys Inn Plaque reminds us of its rich history. It was a place where Shakespeare’s contemporaries entertained London. It was a vital part of the city’s vibrant cultural scene. So next time you raise a pint, remember the Cross Keys Inn. Remember its contribution to the world of theatre.