Shakespeare's Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon

 

Shakespeare's Birthplace, Henley Street

This evening, I am focusing on the property most closely associated with England's leading playwright and poet, William Shakespeare (1564-1616). It was here, at Stratford -upon--Avon that Shakespeare grew up and may have spent his early married life here post 1582. Shakespeare inherited the house on death of his father in 1601 and subsequently bequeathed it on his own death to his eldest daughter. Shakespeare's sister, Joan lived in part of the building until her death in 1646 following which it was owned or occupied by Joan's descendants until 1806. The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust acquired the property in 1847.

The property originally consisted of three separate but connected houses which were later merged into a single residence by Shakespeare's father, a prosperous businessman who rose to become mayor of  Stratford. The father's mayoral status entitled William to a free education which served as a foundation for his playwriting.

 

Rear of Birthplace

The subject property has been a place of homage for Shakespeare admirers for some 250 years. It now forms the key part of a Visitors Centre which includes an exhibition on Shakespeare's life and background.

The principal rooms in the house are:

• The Parlour.

Parlour

• Hall
• Glovers Workshop.

 

Glove making.

• Shakespeare's Birthroom.

At the rear of the property actors provide impromptu performances from Shakespeare's plays. Below is a video clip of one such performance- from A Midsummer Night's Dream

Other Shakespeare connected properties in and around Stratford are:

• New Place.
• Hall's Croft.
• Anne Hathaway's Cottage
• Mary Arden's Tudor Farm
• Holy Trinity Church.
• Royal Shakespeare Theatre

Royal Shakespeare Theatre

• Shakespeare's Schoolroom.

Shakespeare's Schoolroom, Church Street.

 

Stratford-upon-Avon is located about one hundred miles N.W. of London where is located the Globe Theatre.