Discovering Shakespeare in Stratford-Upon-Avon, Stratford-upon-Avon, England

For many visitors Stratford-upon-Avon is best known for its association with William Shakespeare, England’s most famous dramatist. There is certainly no shortage of places to find Shakespeare in Stratford, from the houses where he was born, lived and died, to the roads and buildings that he would have frequented. But the references are not all historic: his legacy is still very much alive today.

Three of the most important heritage sites are managed by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. These trace the playwright’s life from the house in which he grew up (the Birthplace), to his final home (Shakespeare’s New Place). It also includes Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, the house in which Shakespeare’s wife was born. The Trust also manages a massive archive of documents relating to Shakespeare and to Stratford-upon-Avon.

However, it is not all about Shakespeare. These houses will also appeal to anyone who is interested in Tudor architecture, and the gardens are a pleasure to visit, even if you only have a passing interest in literature. Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, in particular, can be appreciated as a charming country home and garden.

The Birthplace, on Henley Street, is where William Shakespeare was born in 1564. It is a fairly substantial Tudor building, and would have housed both the family and John Shakespeare’s glove-making business. The property was extended during William’s lifetime and part of it became an inn. It was subject to further change over the centuries but has now been restored to its earlier state. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).