Newington Butts facts for kids
Newington Butts is a historic area in south London, England. It was once a small village but is now a busy part of the city. This place is well-known because it was home to an important theatre in the late 1500s. Some of the very first performances of famous plays, like Hamlet and Titus Andronicus, happened right here.
The name "Newington Butts" probably comes from its past. "Butts" refers to archery butts, which were special mounds of earth. These mounds were used as targets for practicing archery with bows and arrows.
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A Look at Newington Butts
Newington Butts has a long history, stretching back many centuries. It was once a quiet, green area outside the main city of London. Over time, as London grew bigger, Newington Butts became part of the sprawling capital.
What Does "Butts" Mean?
The word "Butts" in Newington Butts is quite interesting. It tells us about a popular sport from long ago: archery.
- Archery butts were large mounds of earth.
- They were built specifically for archers to shoot their arrows at.
- These practice fields were common in England during medieval times.
- They helped people train for hunting or even for battles.
So, the name suggests that Newington Butts might have been a place where people practiced their archery skills many years ago.
The Famous Theatre
One of the most exciting parts of Newington Butts' history is its connection to theatre. In the late 1500s, a theatre called the Newington Butts Theatre stood here. This was a very early public theatre in London.
- It was built around 1575 or 1576.
- This theatre was one of the first places where people could regularly go to watch plays.
- It was a popular spot for entertainment before other famous theatres, like The Globe, were built.
Plays You Might Know
The Newington Butts Theatre hosted performances of plays that are still famous today. Imagine seeing these plays for the first time!
- Some historians believe that early versions of William Shakespeare's plays were performed here.
- Plays like Hamlet and Titus Andronicus might have had their first showings at this theatre.
- Another play, The Taming of a Shrew, was also likely performed on its stage.
These performances helped shape the future of English theatre and drama.
Newington Butts Today
Today, Newington Butts is a busy part of south London. It's a lively area with shops, homes, and businesses. While the old theatre is long gone, its history lives on. The area is now a key part of the Elephant and Castle junction, a major transport hub. It's a place where history meets modern city life.
Images for kids
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The north end of the "Newington Butts" section of the A3 terminates at a roundabout of the Elephant and Castle junction, where the Elizabethan theatre stood.
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The playground in St Mary's churchyard has mounds that can be thought of as archery butts.
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More mounds in the field of St Mary's churchyard.
See also
In Spanish: Newington Butts para niños
