1397 (Vol. 3)

Astley’s Amphitheatre, Westminster Bridge Road.

 The first amphitheatre on this spot was a mere

temporary erection of deal boards, set up, in 1774, by

Philip Astley, a light horseman in the 15^th or general

Elliot’s regiments. The price of admission to the

space without the railing of the side was

sixpence, and Astley himself the chief performer,

assisted by a drum, two fifes, and a clown of the

name of Porter. At first it was an open area.

 In 1780, it was nearly fitted up, and called “The

Royal Grove,” and in 1792 “The Royal Saloon, or Astley’s

Amphitheatre”.

  In 1794 (Aug 17^th) the amphitheatre was destroyed by

fire. again in 1803 (Sept 2^nd) and a third time

June 8^th – 1841.

 Old Astley was born at Newcastle-under-Lime [Lyme]

in 1742 & died in Paris Oct 20^th 1814.