In a remarkable archaeological discovery, oak floorboards dating back 600 years have been unearthed during restoration work at St George's Guildhall in King's Lynn, revealing a potential connection to one of the world's greatest playwrights, William Shakespeare. This revelation not only sheds light on the history of this historic venue but also adds a layer of enchantment to the Bard's legacy.
St George's Guildhall, the UK's oldest working theatre, stands as a witness to centuries of performances and cultural exchange. Records indicate that the guildhall was graced by Shakespeare's troupe of actors in the late 16th century, suggesting that the playwright himself may have trodden upon these very boards. The building's significance is, therefore, twofold, as it encompasses not only architectural history but also the theatrical history of a literary giant.
The Guildhall of St George in King's Lynn (Image: Denise Bradley)
The recent discovery came about as a result of meticulous restoration work carried out by a team of archaeologists. The oak beams, estimated to date back to the years 1417-1430 when the complex was initially constructed, had been concealed beneath layers of flooring from the 1950s and 1960s. Dr. Jonathan Clark, the archaeologist leading the project, expressed the extraordinary rarity of this find. He noted, "As archaeological finds go, this is extraordinarily rare, especially on this scale. This is the largest timber 15th-century floor in the country, and that's before you add the Shakespeare connection."
The Guildhall of St George in King's Lynn (Image: Matthew Usher)
Scientific analysis and a careful study of the structure confirmed the age of the floor, providing substantial evidence that these timbers were present when Shakespeare performed at the Guildhall in 1592-1593. Dr. Clark believes that the floor has endured through the centuries because it is integral to the building, and removing it would irreparably damage the structure itself.
Tim FitzHigham, creative director at West Norfolk Council, which leases the building from the National Trust, expressed his excitement over the find. "Shakespeare is known across the globe, so to be able to make this claim is pretty magical," he said. This historic revelation not only rekindles the memory of Shakespearean performances in King's Lynn but also reaffirms the town's place in the broader tapestry of English theater history.
An engraving of William Shakespeare, who is said to have performed at the Guildhall of St George in King's Lynn (Image: Public Domain)
The Guildhall's history is further enriched by the fact that Shakespeare and his company of actors visited King's Lynn on tour in 1592-1593, during a time when London's theaters were closed due to an outbreak of the plague. Historical records even show that Shakespeare's company was paid by the corporation of King's Lynn to perform there. This unique connection highlights how the performing arts have transcended boundaries and time periods.
The Queen Mother attends the reopening of the Guildhall of St George in 1957 (Image: Eastern Daily Press)
St George's Guildhall initially began as a religious guild meeting house, established by Royal Charter in 1406. It later transformed into a theater, and over the centuries, it faced periods of neglect and the looming threat of demolition. Fortunately, in 1945, a local landowner purchased the building and generously gave it to the National Trust. The Queen Mother reopened the Grade I Listed building in 1957, marking its revival and return to cultural prominence.
In recent years, the Guildhall had served as an arts center before closing in 2015. However, with funding from King's Lynn's £25 million town deal, the venue is currently undergoing extensive restoration. This initiative not only aims to preserve the historical integrity of the Guildhall but also provide a space for future generations to appreciate its cultural and architectural significance.
Dr Jonathan Clark, left, and Tim FitzHigham, Creative Director at the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk inspect the oak boards (Image: BNPS)
The discovery of these ancient oak floorboards at St George's Guildhall in King's Lynn is a testament to the enduring power of the arts and their capacity to bridge the gaps between centuries. It not only connects the town to Shakespeare's legacy but also serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage that resides within the heart of England.
