Nash House, Stratford-upon-Avon

Standing on Chapel Street at number 22, immediately beside the site of Shakespeare’s New Place, is the tall black-and-white timber-framed building known as the Nash House. You can recognize it by its projecting upper floors, leaded windows, dark wooden beams, and two steep gables. The house dates from roughly the 16th century, although its street façade was reconstructed in 1912 during restoration work.

Before going inside, look immediately to the right of the house. Beyond the low wall and entrance lies New Place, where William Shakespeare spent the final years of his life. The original mansion no longer survives, but its site has been recreated with gardens, archaeological remains, and sculptures. The Nash House now serves as the entrance and exhibition space for the New Place site.

The house takes its name from Thomas Nash, who married Shakespeare’s only granddaughter, Elizabeth Hall, in 1626. Nash owned the property, although evidence indicates that he and Elizabeth actually lived next door at New Place rather than here. After Elizabeth died without children in 1670, Shakespeare’s direct line of descendants came to an end. The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust took responsibility for the Nash House and New Place in 1876.

As you enter the ground-floor exhibition, look for the displays explaining Shakespeare’s purchase of New Place and his family life in Stratford. One important document is an exemplification of a fine-an official copy of the legal transaction recording Shakespeare’s purchase of New Place on May 4, 1597. Nearby displays include a timeline of Shakespeare’s life, archaeological information about New Place, and objects illustrating domestic life in the household.

Continue upstairs, where displays have included a copy of Shakespeare’s 1616 will and objects connected with the archaeological excavations of New Place. Among the best-known items associated with the collection is a small gold signet ring bearing the initials “WS,” discovered near Holy Trinity Church. Its connection with Shakespeare has never been proven, but it remains an intriguing possible personal link to him.

From the house, continue through toward the New Place gardens. Once outside, turn back for a good view of the Nash House from the garden side, then look across the site toward Guild Chapel and King Edward VI School, both closely associated with Shakespeare's Stratford.