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The George, Southwark, London

Borough High Street in SE1 was once on the route between Canterbury, England's major centre of pilgrimage, and the main crossing over the Thames into London. It was a busy road and a number of galleried inns were established to serve travellers. The Tabard Inn, the starting point for the pilgrimage in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales once stood here, as did the White Hart, which provided settings in Shakespeare's Henry IV, Part 2. Between these two inns, now lost, stood the George. Like the White Hart and Tabard, the George had double tiered galleries around a three sided courtyard. In summer months this courtyard was used to stage plays, and is, therefore, a forerunner of purpose built theatres, the first of which opened in 1576. It is very probable that Shakespeare watched plays here and had his own plays performed. The George's galleries are clearly mirrored in the galleried design of early theatres, as can be seen at the reconstructed Globe Theatre on Bankside within walking distance of the George.

The George known by Shakespeare burnt down in 1676, but it was immediately rebuilt to the original plan. Sadly part of the galleried courtyard was destroyed in the early twentieth century to make way for an office building.

The George is now owned by the National Trust. It is a working pub and restaurant and is open during normal licensing hours.

 

Address: The George Inn, 77 Borough High Street, London SE1 1NH

Directions: The George is in Borough High Street, Southwark, close to the junction with Southwark Street. It stands in a courtyard set back from the road. Click here for an interactive road and satellite map centred on the George.

Access: The interior of the building would be difficult for those with mobility problems. There is level access to the tables in the courtyard.

Contact:

telephone: 020 7407 2056

e-mail: georgeinn@nationaltrust.org.uk

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