A Day in the Life of Philip Henslowe.
The date is the 10th of March, 1598. It is sunny outside, but also a little bit damp and windy. We are in a house in Southwark, London. This house used to belong to the bailiff to Viscount Montague. However after the bailiff died, Philip Henslowe- whom the bailiff originally employed as a servant- married the bailiff's widow. With the fortune that came along with her, Henslowe developed into an intelligent business man and became a significant owner of Southwark property. It is approximately nine o"clock in the morning and Henslowe has just woke up. This is a late morning for him. He gets out of bed, and indulges in some Canary wine and Manchet bread with his wife, who has already been up for over an hour. While he enjoys his breakfast his servants get him dressed, barbered, and ready to go. Today Henslowe is wearing a slashed velvet doublet, brocade venetians, silk hose, a band (ruff), and his favorite leather boots (without heels). Before leaving the house he makes sure that his sleeves are neatly trussed to his doublet with points. He always likes to look his best. .
Before heading off to the theatres, Henslowe stops at one of his Bankside brothels to collect some money. He has a few brothels on the Bankside, but this one happens to be his most successful one. The place is decorated in dark red. There are long red drapes on all of the windows and the floors are wooden. The floors are fairly dirty, however as soon as there is sight of Henslowe, his employees start to wipe the filthy spots. Henslowe walks in, takes a look around and can see that the business looks good. Everyone seems to be rather occupied. He walks over to the front counter, gathers his profits, tells everyone to continue the good work, and he continues on his route.
Before going to the theatre, Henslowe stops at home to have dinner with his wife. It is now about twelve o"clock.
