London Theatre Royal, Covent Garden

Now the Royal Opera House (ROH), the first theatre built on the site, opened in 1732, was called the Theatre Royal. The current building, extensively reconstructed in the 1990s, is the third theatre on the site, the first two having burnt down in 1808 and 1856, respectively. The theatre presented plays, ballets, and operas, and Handel gave regular performances there until his death in 1759. The theatre became the ROH in 1892. Related BRANCH Article: Terry F. Robinson, “National Theatre in Transition: The London Patent Theatre Fires of 1808-1809 and the Old Price Riots”

Coordinates

Latitude: 51.512921100000
Longitude: -0.122197600000

View on the COVE Master Map

Timeline of Events Associated with London Theatre Royal, Covent Garden

Date Event Manage
20 Sep 1808

Covent Garden Theatre fire

On 20 September 1808, London’s Theatre Royal, Covent Garden burned to the ground.

Articles

Terry F. Robinson, “National Theatre in Transition: The London Patent Theatre Fires of 1808-1809 and the Old Price Riots”
18 Sep 1809

Covent Garden Theatre reopening

On 18 September 1809, London’s Theatre Royal, Covent Garden reopened to the public, after having been destroyed by fire. 18 September 1809 also marks the beginning of the Old Price Riots at Covent Garden Theatre, which continued for sixty-seven nights.

Articles

Terry F. Robinson, “National Theatre in Transition: The London Patent Theatre Fires of 1808-1809 and the Old Price Riots”