Beargarden, Sports venue in Bankside, Southwark, England
The Beargarden was a major sports venue on the south bank of the Thames in Bankside with a three-story circular building offering views across London's waterfront. The facility accommodated thousands of spectators and was equipped for various types of contests.
The venue was established around 1560 and remained a major entertainment hub through the Elizabethan era. It was later converted into the Hope Theatre in 1614, reflecting the evolving cultural role of Bankside.
The venue drew people from all walks of life, from local tradespeople to foreign diplomats, who gathered to watch sporting contests and entertainments together.
The site is located near today's Bear Gardens street in Southwark, within walking distance of London Bridge and Borough Market. The area remains well-served by public transport and has numerous museums and other sites nearby.
A scaffold collapse in 1583 killed several spectators and sparked early discussions about safety in public entertainment venues. This accident marked a turning point in how venue operators understood their responsibility to audiences.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
