Bath's Old Orchard Street Theatre
www.oldtheatreroyal.com
History
Year
Theatre
Catholic Chapel
Pre-1700
There were theatrical performances in Bath, mainly performed by strolling players. Shakespeare's Company is reputed to have played at the Guildhall in 1596.
In 1700, there was a Theatre (actually no more than a converted stable) on the site of what is now the Mineral Water Hospital in Upper Borough Walls.
When Henry VIII dissolved Bath Abbey in 1535, a small part of the Benedictine Mission remained and ministered clandestinely at the Bell Tree House (formerly St James' presbytery) which became a lodging house used by recusants taking the waters.
This was still the situation in 1700.
Although Freemasonry existed from at least the 14th century, the first recorded instance of a Lodge meeting was not mentioned until 1646 in the diary of Elias Ashmole.
In 1700, there was no known Masonic Lodge meeting in Bath.
1702
Queen Anne visits Bath
Her entourage included the entire Drury Lane Theatre Company, who found themselves only able to provide within that building ‘an entertainment of sorts for Her Majesty’.
1717
1724
Queens Head Lodge formed in Bath - first provincial Lodge in England
1732
1737
Theatrical Licensing Act passed
1738
'Unofficial' Theatre created in basement of Simpsons Assembly Rooms
1747
1748
Hippisley dies, John Palmer Sr takes over syndicate
1750
Simpson closes his theatre
John Palmer Jr succeeds his father as owner. Orchard Street Theatre Refurbished
Royal Patent granted -
first provincial Theatre Royal in England
1756
1767
1768
1774
1778
Papists Act commences emancipation
1780
1782
1784
1786
Corn Street Chapel consecrated
1791
Catholic Relief Act passed
1792
1803
1805
1809
Orchard Street Chapel consecrated
1812
School Rooms opened
1817
1819
1829
Catholic Relief Act passed
1830
1836
1850
Charles Worsley appointed
1852
School building (now Manvers Hall) erected
1856
1862
New Theatre Royal destroyed by fire
1863
Masonic Temple dedicated
Reredos installed
Dining Room opens
Electric Lighting installed
Major refurbishment includes new kitchens and Staircase
Temple reopens after refurbishment
Grade 2 Listing conferred
Vaults refurbishment commences
For more information follow the links.
To learn more about how the building featured in these events, why not come on one of our guided tours.
Or for even greater detail, you can order the book here.
1866
1881
1890
1896
1902
New Theatre Royal extensively refurbished
1920
1923
1925
1942
1947
1950
1953
1978
1982
New Theatre Royal completely remodelled. Gala reopening attended by Princess Margaret
2002
2009
2010
Old and New theatres jointly celebrate 260th anniversary of the first opening with special production at Old Orchard Street
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