In the early 16th Century, groups of travelling actors would perform in the courtyard of inns. They set up a stage against one wall. Those who came to see the performance could view from the ground, and those who were staying at the inn could watch from their rooms - like a private box.
One of these theatres was Blackfriar's Theatre, owned by a man called James Burbage, who, in 1597 died. The theatre was left to two sons, Richard and Cuthbert Burbage. Unfortunately though, the landlord believed that the lease was over and that the Burbages could no longer use the land as their father was n…
