Stratford-upon-Avon One of the most famous English

Stratford-upon-Avon

One of the most famous English towns Situated on the west bank of the river Avon, in the heart of the Midlands, Stratford-upon-Avon is one of the most famous towns in England. It dates back at least Roman times but its appearance today is that of small Tudor market town. This image belies its popularity as the most visited tourist attraction outside London. Everybody wants to see buildings connected to William Shakespeare or his descendants. l

SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHPLACE l l William Shakespeare was born on St Georges Day, 23 April 1564 in this building situated in Henley Street. In 1847 a public appeal successfully raised the money to buy the house in which he was born It was almost entirely reconstructed in the 19 -th century, but in the style of the Tudor original. Since that time it has been a museum. Objects associated with Shakespeare’s father, John, a glovemaker are on display. There is a birth room of the poet and another room has a window etched with visitors’ autographs.

Holy Trinity Church It is situated in Old Town. An avenue of lime trees leads to the church where Shakespeare was buried in 1616. l Shakespeare’s grave and copies of the parish register entries recording his birth and death are here. l

Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, home of Shakespeare’s wife Before her marriage to William Shakespeare she lived at Shottery, 1 mile west of Stradford l Despite fire damage in 1969, the cottage is still impressive, with some original 16 thcenture furniture. l The Hathaway descendants live here until the early 20 th centure. l

Nash’s House It is a museum of local history which is situated in Chapel Street l The foundations of New Place, where Shakespeare died form the garden beside this house. l

Town Hall It is situated at the end of High Street l Built in 1767, there are traces of the 18 th century graffiti on the front of the building saying God save the King. l The statue of Shakespeare is on the facade giving by David Garrick ( 1717 -79), the actor who in 1769 organized the first Shakespeare festival l

Harvard House It is in High Street. Built in 1596, this house was a home of Katherine Rogers, whose son, John Harvard, emigrated to America and in 1639 left his estate to a new college, later renamed Harvard University. l The house contains a Museum of British Pewter and displays relating to John Harvard. l The novelist Marie Corelli (1855 -1920) had this house restored. Next door is the 16 th century Garrick Inn. l l

Hall’s Croft It’s situated in Old Town, home of Shakespeare’s daughter Susanna l John Hall, her husband, was a doctor. This delightful house includes the exhibition of medicine in Shakespeare’s time. l

Bancroft Gardens l There is an attractive boatfilled canal basin here and a 15 th centure causeway.

Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Swan Theatre The highly acclaimed resident theatre company, the RSC, has staged all of Shakespeare’s plays since it began in 1961. l It is situated on the bank of the River Avon. l