Stepney Areas

The Royalty Theatre

The Royalty Theatre in Wellclose Square, a wealthy area patronised by Scandinavian timber merchants in the 18th century, was built in 1787 by John Palmer, an actor. It was burnt down in 1826 and was rebuilt as the Brunswick, presumably in honour of Queen Caroline. Two days after opening, due to poor construction, it began to collapse until it fell to the ground during a rehearsal killing 15 people.