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

Ralph Reader

Ralph Reader

Squadron Leader Ralph Reader CBE, officer commanding the Royal Air Force Gang Shows 1939 - 1946. Recognised for exceptional services to world Scouting, 1975. Originator of the Scouting Gang Show. ...

Person, Armed Forces, Music / songs, Theatre, TV & Radio

2 memorials
Thomas Doggett

Thomas Doggett

Actor and theatre manager. Born in Castle Street, Dublin (his birth year is approximate). He possibly performed as a strolling player and had arrived in London by 1691, where he quickly achieved su...

Person, Benefactor, Theatre, Ireland

1 memorial
Shepherd's Bush Empire

Shepherd's Bush Empire

Theatre. Built for impresario Oswald Stoll and designed by Frank Matcham. Amongst its first performers were the Fred Karno troupe featuring Charlie Chaplin. When the appeal of variety shows began t...

Building, Music / songs, Theatre, TV & Radio

1 memorial
Charles Kemble

Charles Kemble

Actor, theatre manager and playwright. born Wales. Married Maria Theresa De Camp. Father to Fanny. Died at home in Savile Row.

Person, Theatre, Wales

1 memorial
His Majesty's Theatre / Her Majesty's Theatre

His Majesty's Theatre / Her Majesty's Theatre

In 1705 Vanbrugh completed the Queen's Theatre, named in honour of Queen Anne, which quickly became informally known as the Haymarket Opera House (not to be confused with the Theatre Royal Haymarke...

Building, Theatre

4 memorials