Cuthbert Burbage (1566 – 1636) was an English theatrical figure, son of impresario James Burbage and elder brother of famous actor Richard Burbage. Most famous for his central role in the construction of the Globe Theatre, he was for four decades a significant agent in the success and endurance of Shakespeare's company, the King's Men.
Burbage was born in Coleman Street near Guildhall, London. His father bound him as servant to Walter Cope, gentl...
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Cuthbert Burbage (1566 – 1636) was an English theatrical figure, son of impresario James Burbage and elder brother of famous actor Richard Burbage. Most famous for his central role in the construction of the Globe Theatre, he was for four decades a significant agent in the success and endurance of Shakespeare's company, the King's Men.
Burbage was born in Coleman Street near Guildhall, London. His father bound him as servant to Walter Cope, gentleman usher to Burghley. As an adult, he joined the family business, then centered at The Theatre in Shoreditch. In 1586, his father's erstwhile partner John Brayne died, leading to a complex legal battle over Brayne's share in the Theatre. Brayne's widow wanted her share, as did John Hyde, a wealthy grocer who owned the mortgage on the theater. In 1589, Cuthbert settled this issue by paying Hyde for the mortgage (with it he offered a letter from Cope promising that Cope would help Hyde if need arose.) This move, an attempt to cut Brayne's...
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