Southwark is a part of London. During the late 1500s Southwark was home to many playhouses, including the Globe Theatre.

It is located south of the Thames River. During Shakespeare's time it was outside the rules and regulations of the city. This made it an exciting and dangerous place to be. Southwark was filled with bear baiting pits, thieves, river pirates, and noisy taverns. Shakespeare was greatly influenced by Southwark. In fact, many of his plays were first performed in this area.

While the theatres were wildly popular, they were not well respected. During the reign of King Charles I theatre was considered immoral, scandalous, and dangerous. A religious group called the Puritans had a great deal of influence and in 1648 under their leader, Oliver Cromwell, all the theatres were ordered to be demolished.

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Text: Kristina DeSantis