It appears, that our ancient theatres were little better than
_barns_, while those of the present day may vie with palaces in
extent, splendour, and decoration; and nothing can more strongly exhibit
the contrast between the present age and that of Queen Elizabeth, than
the difference in the expense of a London theatre. The Rose playhouse,
which was erected about the year 1592, cost only 103l. 2s. 7d.,--a sum
which would scarcely pay half the expenses of a modern patent theatre
for a single night. Only let the reader think of the rush roof of the
_Globe_, and the gilt-work ceilings of our present theatres; the
open area,--and the cloth-covered seats of the pit; and the magnificence
of our saloons, halls, staircases, and corridors,--all in the noblest
style of architectural decoration--_Companion to the Theatres._
* * * * *
Covent Garden was once the emporium of the arts and sciences, and the
residence of the chief nobility of the kingdom. Barton Booth lived at
No. 4, Charles-street; Colley Cibber lived at No. 3; and Easty's Hotel,
Southampton-street, was Mr. Garrick's; Mrs. Oldfield lived in the same
street; Wilkes built the house in Bow-street, next door but one to the
theatre--Garrick and Macklin lodged in it.--_Ibid._
* * * * *
At Kirlees, Yorkshire, about three miles from Hutherfield, is, or was
lately, a funeral monument of the famous outlaw, Robin Hood, with the
following inscription:--
Here, undernead dis laid stean,
Lais Robert, Earl of Huntingtun;
Nea arter az hie sa geud,
Ah pipl kauld him Robin Heud.
Sick outlawz hi an iz men
Vil England niven si agen.
Obiit 24 kal Decembrio, 1247.