Astley's Amphitheatre was built in 1769 by Philip Astley, who established the first circus consisting of a variety of performers and acrobatic displays.

Astley, himself an outstanding horseman took a leading part in the show together with his wife and son.

The theatre was demolished in 1893 and the site is now marked by St.Thomas's Hospital.

Watercolour painting by an unknown artist, 1832