Archaeologists make incredible discovery that could be linked to Shakespeare in historic theatre

A doorway that could have been used by famous playwright William Shakespeare has been discovered at the UK’s oldest working theatre.

The discovery in St. George’s Guildhall in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, which has undergone major conservation efforts, was sparked when the Guildhall’s creative director, Tim FitzHigham, noticed a “strange shape on the wall”, according to a press release published by the Borough Council of King’s. Lynn & West Norfolk on 21st August 2024.

Upon further investigation, the planks were removed to reveal an arch.

“It must be before 1405, as the medieval roof of the hall is raised over it,” FitzHigham said via press release.

“Further investigative work identified the archway as the door to what is believed to be the Guild’s Robbery Room. This room was used by the highest level of Guild members to dress in their finery before feasting upstairs,” he continued.

“This is another surprising discovery at the Guildhall,” said FitzHigham.

“We have a door that would definitely have been here in the years we think Shakespeare was playing here and, in all likelihood, it was the door to a room where the players changed and stored props.”

“It’s just amazing that again a slight or strange shape on the wall has turned out to be something quite frankly remarkable,” he added.

Last year, another discovery with possible links to Shakespeare was made when researchers found planks under the floor of St. George’s Guildhall, which dates back to the early 15th century and may have been attended by the famous playwright.

The earliest recorded production at the Guildhall was a nativity play in January 1445, according to Shakespeare’s Guildhall Trust.

The Queen’s Men, a prestigious London acting company formed in 1583, performed in the country on many occasions until the late 1500s.

Shakespeare’s association with the Guildhall came in 1592 or 1593, according to the news release, after he and his company of actors were on tour in King’s Lynn when London’s theaters were closed due to an outbreak of the plague.

Soon after, Shakespeare joined the acting company Lord Chamberlain’s Men, later called “The King’s Men,” according to Biography.com.

Archaeologist Johnathan Clarke believes that the arch never had a door in its frame and instead provided privacy for the performing actors with some kind of hanging.

“This 15th-century doorway appears to have provided access to a medium-sized low-status room and never had a door closing the arch; it can be done privately with a simple hanging when requested,” Clarke said via press release.

“It’s the kind of room where traveling groups of players can change due to its location within the Guildhall. It would have given them a private space where they could set things down, change and then go up the stairs to appear on the first floor in their suit,” he added.