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SHORT TAKES : Globe Theater Gets Protection

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<i> From Times staff and wire service reports</i>

The remains of William Shakespeare’s Globe Theater have been designated an ancient monument by the government, guaranteeing them state protection.

The discovery of three chalk and brick foundation walls, part of the back of the historic Globe, was announced Oct. 12 by the British conglomerate, Hanson PLC, which owns the site, and the Museum of London.

The remains on the south bank of the Thames river near Southwark Bridge were granted the protection as an ancient monument Wednesday by Environment Secretary Christopher Patten, said David Trippier, heritage minister at the Department of the Environment. The Globe saw the first performances of Shakespeare’s great tragedies, “Hamlet,” “Othello,” “King Lear” and “Macbeth.”

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The theater was built in 1599, rebuilt after a fire 14 years later and destroyed in 1644 by the Puritans, who detested theaters.

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