Southwark Cathedral has had strong ties to the arts in London throughout its life. In the 17th century, it shared intertwined stories with celebrated playwrights like William Shakespeare, Phillip Massinger, and John Fletcher.
Surrounding the Cathedral were prominent theatres of the time—the Hope, Rose, Swan, and Globe—whose actors, writers, and theatrical artisans typically lived locally and used the services of what was then St. Saviours, the parish church.
Remarkably, Edmund Shakespeare, the younger brother of William, finds his final resting place within the church's grounds. The cost of his funeral, totalling twenty shillings, is believed to have been covered by William himself.
Fast-forwarding to the 21st century, Southwark Cathedral assumed a remarkable role in the filming of the acclaimed series "The Crown" in 2015. During the series' first season, the Cathedral served as the backdrop for scenes representing St. George’s Chapel at Windsor during the poignant funeral of King George VI.
This cinematic representation showcased the Cathedral's architectural grandeur and historical resonance, bridging centuries of cultural significance from its theatrical past to its portrayal in modern screen adaptations.