The ground plan of such an inn was the roughly quadrangled
yard with a single entrance opposite the stable. The purpose of
this construction was protection. Here are all the conditions of
the theatre. A single entrance, at which "gate-money" might be
charged, a wagon on the top of whMi a stage might be erected,
the barn, back in which the actors m*ht dress and before which
a rude curtain might be hung, a loft with a window looking out
upon the courtyard which might be used to represent the walls
of a beleagured city, Juliet's balcony, or the heavens out of which
the gods appear. Moreover, as to auditors, his lordship and com-
pany might ascend to one of the rooms of the second story and.
bring thence chairs or stools on which to sit in the balcony over-
looking the stage ; the poorer gentleman or man of the city might
ascend a flight higher and be nearly as comfortable, save that
his chair was not so soft and his view of the actors not quite so
good; whilst the apprentice, tapster or other common fellow,




Fig. 56. The Fortune Theatre, Golden Lane, Barbican, built 1599;

burned 1621.
