Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-upon-Avon

Introduction

This evening, I am focusing on the historic Church of Holy Trinity at Stratford-upon-Avon, England. This is famous because it is the church where playwrite, William Shakespeare (1564-1616) was baptised and buried. 

Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-upon-Avon, England


 Information on Holy Trinity Church 

The building dates from 1210 but on a much older Christian site going back to  at least 713 when a Saxon monastery was built.

Church Interior 


 Font at Holy Trinity Church, Stratford

 


  •  Oldest sections are the tower, transepts and nave pillars. The North and South aisles were added in the 1300s and the Chancel in the late 1400s.
  • William Shakespeare, his wife Anne and members of his family are buried here. There is also a bust of Shakespeare on the wall which was erected in 1623 by Shakespeare’s widow and friends.
  • The High Altar is pre-Reformation (1540) and survived because it was hidden at a  critical time.
  • There are three chapels: St. Peter’s, Thomas Becket and Clopton.
  • The Sanctuary Knocker on the inner porch door dates from the 1200s. A person touching the ring could claim sanctuary in the church for up to 37 days.
  • In the Chancel is a chained bible dating from 1611. Shakespeare wold have been familiar with readings from this holy book.
  • Also in the Chancel are 26, 15th century misericords. These offered a basic form of physical support at a time when the congregation would have stood for long periods. 

 Grave of William Shakespeare,


Here is a link to a post containing more information on Stratford and William Shakespeare.

 

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