The Royal Opera House, known as "Covent Garden",[2] was constructed as the "Theatre Royal" in 1732 to a design by Edward Shepherd.[49] During the first hundred years or so of its history, the theatre was primarily a playhouse, with the Letters Patent granted by Charles II giving Covent Garden and Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, exclusive rights to present spoken drama in London. In 1734, the first ballet was presented; a year later Handel's first season of operas began.