Southwark is a district of Central London and part of the London Borough of Southwark. It is one of the oldest parts of London and is located on the south side of the river Thames. In the sixteenth century, Southwark was the entertainment district for London, as it stood outside of the City’s control. Attractions included bear-baiting, brothels, and theatres, including its first playhouse theatre, The Rose, and the Globe Theatre, both known for their affiliations with Shakespeare.