Shakespeare’s Stage: Newly Discovered Floorboards Unearth History
Excavation and Discovery
During recent renovations at St. George’s Guildhall in King’s Lynn, England, workers stumbled upon a remarkable find: wooden floorboards believed to be the only surviving stage where William Shakespeare once performed. Hidden beneath layers of flooring, these large oak boards, nearly 12 inches wide and 6 inches thick, are held together by wooden pegs rather than nails.
Historical Context
The discovery of these floorboards has sent ripples of excitement through the historical community. St. George’s Guildhall, the United Kingdom’s oldest working theater, has long been associated with Shakespeare’s era. Documents from the late 16th century reveal that Shakespeare’s acting company performed at the venue in 1592-93.
Dating the Floorboards
Archaeologist Jonathan Clark, an expert in medieval buildings, has meticulously examined the floorboards for two months. By studying the construction methods and growth rings in the surviving wood, he has determined that they date back to the early 15th century, likely between 1417 and 1430. This places the floorboards well before Shakespeare’s time.
Shakespeare’s Presence
Despite the floorboards’ earlier construction, Tim FitzHigham, the creative director of the guildhall, believes that Shakespeare must have performed on them. He points to evidence that Shakespeare’s company was present at the venue during the late 16th century. “This is likely to be the surface that Shakespeare was walking on,” says Clark. “It’s this end of the hall where performances took place.”
Scholarly Perspectives
The discovery has sparked a lively debate among historians and Shakespearean scholars. Tiffany Stern of England’s University of Birmingham finds the evidence for Shakespeare’s presence at St. George’s Guildhall to be “quite strong.” However, others remain skeptical. Siobhan Keenan of England’s De Montfort University notes that Shakespeare’s whereabouts during this period are uncertain.
Speculation and Significance
While some scholars argue that the discovery is significant, others dismiss it as mere speculation. Michael Dobson, director of the Shakespeare Institute in Stratford-upon-Avon, believes that the floorboards are not particularly important, unless one is overly fascinated with possessing a fragment of wood that may have been touched by Shakespeare. He adds that there are other artifacts associated with Shakespeare that are far more valuable from a historical perspective.
Ongoing Research and Future Implications
The discovery of these floorboards has opened up new avenues for research and exploration into Shakespeare’s life and career. Scholars are eager to delve deeper into the evidence and uncover more about Shakespeare’s performances and the cultural context of his time. As the investigation continues, the floorboards at St. George’s Guildhall will undoubtedly continue to captivate the imaginations of historians, Shakespeare enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the rich tapestry of British cultural heritage.