For the next two weeks William Shakespeare devotees will be able to visit the site archaeologists believe once held the bard's legendary Globe Theater.
Owner Hanson PLC said it has arranged for a scaffolding viewing platform over the site near Southwark Bridge, less than a mile east of the National Theater on the south bank of the Thames.It will be open daily until Nov. 8.
"It isn't terribly exciting for anyone who doesn't know what they are looking at. Notes will be handed out explaining what can be seen," a Hanson spokesman said on condition of anonymity.
Three chalk-and-brick foundation walls that archaeologists say were part of the back of the 17th century theater are visible in the excavation.
The first performances of Shakespeare's great tragedies "Hamlet," "Othello," "King Lear" and "Macbeth" were staged at the Globe Theater, built in 1599 and rebuilt after a fire 14 years later.
Most of the site later was covered by brewery buildings. The spot believed to be that of the theater is a former brewery parking lot.
Hanson, a British conglomerate, acquired the site three years ago as part of its takeover of the Imperial group, which included the former Courage brewery company.
Hanson has asked Environment Secretary Christopher Patten to declare the site an ancient monument.
Harvey Sheldon, head of the Museum of London's archaeological unit for the capital, said he believed the remains are part of the Globe because they are in the "O" shape described by Shakespeare, and because of the discovery of large quantities of hazelnut shells, which were the Elizabethan equivalent of popcorn.