Bankside facts for kids

Bankside is a really old and interesting part of London, found on the south side of the River Thames. It's part of the London Borough of Southwark and is known for its amazing history and cool modern buildings. It's a place where old meets new, with famous theatres and art galleries right by the river.

Discovering Bankside: London's Historic Riverside

Bankside is a vibrant area in central London, full of history and culture. It sits right on the south bank of the River Thames, opposite the City of London. For hundreds of years, this area has been a busy hub, first for entertainment and industries, and now for arts and tourism. It's a fantastic place to explore if you're interested in London's past and present.

Bankside's Rich History

Bankside has a long and fascinating history. In the past, it was outside the main city of London. This meant it was a place where people could enjoy entertainment like theatres and bear-baiting, which were sometimes banned inside the city walls. It was also home to many industries, including tanning and brewing, because of its riverside location.

Over time, Bankside changed a lot. Many of the old buildings were replaced, but its spirit as a place for fun and creativity remained. Today, it's a popular spot for both Londoners and visitors, offering a mix of historical sites and modern attractions.

Famous Landmarks in Bankside

Bankside is home to some of London's most iconic buildings. These landmarks attract millions of people every year and show off the area's unique blend of history and contemporary culture.

The Globe Theatre: Shakespeare's Stage

One of the most famous places in Bankside is Shakespeare's Globe. This theatre is a modern reconstruction of the original Globe Theatre, where many of William Shakespeare's famous plays were first performed. The original theatre was built in 1599 by Shakespeare's acting company, the Lord Chamberlain's Men. It was a round, open-air theatre, and audiences would stand in the 'pit' to watch the plays.

The first Globe Theatre burned down in 1613 during a performance. A second Globe was built on the same site in 1614 but was later pulled down in 1644. The modern Globe Theatre, which opened in 1997, tries to be as similar as possible to the original. It's a fantastic place to experience Shakespeare's plays just like people did over 400 years ago.

Tate Modern: A Hub for Art

Another major landmark in Bankside is Tate Modern, one of the world's most famous modern art galleries. It's housed in a former power station called Bankside Power Station, which was designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott. The power station stopped generating electricity in 1981.

In 2000, the building was transformed into Tate Modern, becoming a huge space for modern and contemporary art from around the world. It features works by famous artists like Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Frida Kahlo. The gallery is known for its massive Turbine Hall, which often hosts large-scale art installations. Tate Modern is a must-visit for anyone interested in art from the 20th century to today.

Winchester Palace: A Royal Ruin

Hidden among the modern buildings are the ruins of Winchester Palace. This was once a grand medieval palace, built in the 13th century. It was the London home of the powerful Bishops of Winchester. The palace was very important and hosted many royal visitors over the centuries.

Today, only parts of the palace remain, including the beautiful rose window from the great hall. These ruins give us a glimpse into what life was like for powerful figures in medieval London. They remind us of Bankside's long and varied past, from a bishop's residence to a bustling entertainment district.