Building    From 1769  To 1893

Astley's Amphitheatre

Categories: Theatre

Considered to be the world's first circus ring. Erected in 1769 on the site of what is now St Thomas's Hospital on the south side of Westminster Bridge Road. The showman Philip Astley, (from British History) "took a large piece of ground, of a timber-merchant, … and, inclosing it circularly with boarding, erected seats for an audience, with a pent-house roof, covered with canvas". The building was subsequently enhanced many times, changed names repeatedly and burnt down thrice. Finally demolished in 1893. Our picture shows the frontage in about 1850. Mentioned by Dickens in 'Bleak House'. And in Jane Austen's 'Emma' Harriet Smith’s visit to Astley’s with the Knightly family results in her engagement to Robert Martin (finally). The V&A have some wonderful pictures of the circus in earlier times.

Managed by William Batty 1842-53, who in 1851 set up a similar show ring close to the Great Exhibition.

Comments are provided by Facebook, please ensure you are signed in here to see them

This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
Astley's Amphitheatre

Commemorated ati

Astley's Circus

The plaque is no longer there and actually looks like it was not intended to ...

Read More

Astley's Circus - St Thomas's Hospital Gardens

London SE1 has a magnificent photo of the circus folk that accompanied the un...

Read More

Other Subjects

Equity

Equity

UK Trade Union representing professional performers and other creative workers.

Group, Cinema, Community / Clubs, Music / songs, Theatre, TV & Radio

1 memorial
Ian Albery

Ian Albery

Chief Executive of Sadler's Wells when the new theatre opened in October 1998.

Person, Politics & Administration, Theatre

1 memorial
Red Bull Playhouse

Red Bull Playhouse

The inn's owner converted the inn-yard into the theatre. Parliament banned theatres in 1642 but some carried on and the Red Bull was successfully raided in 1649 and in 1655. The 1660 Restoration al...

Building, Theatre

1 memorial
Ruthie Henshall

Ruthie Henshall

Actor, dancer and singer. Born in Bromley as Valentine Ruth Henshall. She has appeared in many west end productions, including 'Cats', 'Chicago' and 'Les Miserables'. Nominated five times for an Ol...

Person, Dance, Music / songs, Theatre

1 memorial
Ernie Lotinga

Ernie Lotinga

Comedian and film actor.  Born Sunderland.  Best known for a series of films in which he played a character, Josser, in the 1930s.  T. S. Eliot was a big fan.  Died London. British Pathe have some...

Person, Cinema, Humour, Theatre

1 memorial