LONDON, Aug. 6 (UPI) -- An excavation in England has uncovered the brick foundations of the 16th century theater where William Shakespeare's plays were first performed, officials said.
The Times of London said the remains of The Theatre -- built in 1576 and once the home of the Lord Chamberlain's Men -- were uncovered last month in a dig on New Inn Broadway, just north of London's medieval City wall in Shoreditch.
The Museum of London Archaeology has described the discovery as "one of the most exciting finds of recent years."
Jo Lyon, the excavation's project manager, told The Times: "Shakespeare is such an enormous part of our cultural heritage and the way we define ourselves. It's a highly significant find."
The Theatre is believed to be the place where Shakespeare worked as an actor before his writing career took off. It is also said to be the venue where some of his earliest works, such as "Romeo and Juliet" and "Richard III," were performed, The Times said.
