Discover the History of Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon
Discover the History of Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon
The picturesque medieval market town of Stratford-upon-Avon is steeped in the history of Shakespeare.
Stratford-upon-Avon is entwined with the history of Britain’s greatest playwright with this West Midlands town. As you explore, whether independently or as part of a guided tour such as the popular one provided by Tudor World, you’ll feel the story of his life come alive as you discover many buildings that the great man himself would have been familiar with as he went about his business back in the 16th century.
The Royal Shakespeare Theatre
Home to the prestigious Royal Shakespeare Company, this Stratford-Upon-Avon landmark on the banks of the river Avon is the perfect place to watch the magic of Shakespeare come alive in one of its many productions. However, the productions here aren’t exclusively dedicated to Shakespeare by any means, and it’s far more than just a theatre. The history of Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon is brought alive in many ways, including with special events for families in the school holidays, exhibitions, tours and trips to the top of the tower for panoramic views of Shakespeare’s home town.
Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and Gardens
It’s worth making the short trip west of Stratford-upon-Avon to the village of Shottery to visit the childhood home of the girl who would become the world’s most famous muse and Shakespeare’s wife, Anne Hathaway. Born here in 1556 into a family of prosperous sheep farmers, Anne was courted by the bard himself in this lovely Tudor farmhouse with beautiful gardens. Some original furniture including the Hathaway bed remains here, and the idyllic, romantic setting of the cottage brings the story of the courtship alive across the centuries.
Shakespeare’s Birthplace
When Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway, he took her to live in the Stratford-upon-Avon house that he had been born in. Like Anne, William Shakespeare was lucky enough to be born to well-to-do parents, John and Mary. The successful couple were able to buy the biggest house on Henley Street. John called this house home for fifty years and William was the third of eight siblings to be born here before he eventually inherited it. John’s status as Mayor of Stratford enabled William to attend the local grammar school which set him on the path to his success. On your visit here, you’ll enjoy many tales of the Shakespeare family, see rare artefacts and even enjoy some impromptu theatre.
Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall
Amazingly, King Edward VI School, which Shakespeare attended from approximately 1571 and 1578 from the age of 7 to 14, is still a flourishing school today. In fact, Shakespeare’s education has often been thought of as the missing chapter in the story of his life in Stratford-upon-Avon, as the upper floor of the Guildhall where William began his education only opened to the public in 2016. Visitors can watch a film about life in a Tudor school, try a bit of Tudor homework and even take part in a 16th century lesson under the strict eye of a schoolmaster.
Church of the Holy Trinity
This Grade I-listed parish church is where Shakespeare’s story began and ended. Not only did he worship here, he was baptised here and buried in its graveyard. His exact date of death is unclear but records show that he was buried here on April 25th 1616, two days after his 52nd birthday. This church is one of the most visited in the UK, thanks to the thousands of visitors who make the pilgrimage every year to pay their respects to both the great bard and Anne, who is buried next to him. And there is a twist to the tale; archaeologists say they don’t think Shakespeare’s skull is in his grave, giving weight to a story about it being removed from his grave in 1794. Archaeologists believe it may have been taken by trophy hunters, with the replacement skull thought to belong to an unknown woman.
