Ancient gate with possible connection to Shakespeare discovered in Britain

An entrance that may have been used by the famous playwright William Shakespeare has been discovered in the oldest theatre still in use in the United Kingdom.

The discovery at St George's Guildhall in King's Lynn, Norfolk, which is currently undergoing extensive conservation work, was sparked when the Guildhall's creative director, Tim FitzHigham, noticed a “strange shape in the wall”, according to a press release from King's Lynn & West Norfolk Borough Council dated 21 August 2024.

Upon closer inspection, the boards were removed and an archway was revealed.

Examination of a “strange shape in the wall” of St George's Guildhall in King's Lynn, Norfolk, revealed a 15th-century archway. (King's Lynn and West Norfolk City Council)

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“It must date from before 1405, as the medieval roof of the hall towers over it,” FitzHigham said, according to the press release.

“Further investigation has revealed that the arch is the door to what is believed to be the guild's dressing room. This room was used by the highest level guild members to change into their ceremonial attire before the festival upstairs,” he continued.

“This is another amazing discovery at the Guildhall,” said FitzHigham. “We have a door that must have been here during the years Shakespeare played here. It was most likely the door to a room where the actors changed and kept props.”

The archway that was found is associated with William Shakespeare. (Universal History Archive/UIG via Getty Images)

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“It's just amazing that a slight curve or strange shape in the wall has once again turned out to be something really extraordinary,” he added.

Last year, another discovery with possible links to Shakespeare was made when researchers found boards dating back to the early 15th century beneath the floor of St George's Guildhall that the famous playwright could have walked on.

The first recorded production at the Guildhall was a nativity play in January 1445, according to Shakespeare's Guildhall Trust.

In 1594, Shakespeare joined the Lord Chamberlain's Men, a troupe of actors that often performed before the royal family. (GraphicaArtis/Getty Images)

The Queen's Men, a renowned London acting troupe founded in 1583, performed at this venue several times until the late 16th century.

According to the press release, Shakespeare's connection with the Guildhall began in 1592 or 1593, when he and his troupe of actors were on tour in King's Lynn when London's theatres were closed due to an outbreak of the plague.

Shortly thereafter, according to Biography.com, Shakespeare joined the acting troupe Lord Chamberlain's Men, later called the King's Men.

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Archaeologist Johnathan Clarke believes that the archway never had a door, but rather a kind of curtain that offered privacy to the actors.

“This 15th-century doorframe appears to have provided access to a medium-sized, simple room and never appears to have had a door closing the arch. It may have been locked by a simple padlock when necessary,” Clarke said in the press release.

“Because of its location within the Guildhall, it's the kind of room that travelling groups of players might change in. It would have provided them with a private space where they could put things down, change and then go upstairs to appear in their costume on the first floor,” he added.