A VISIT TO STRATFORD-UPON-AVON, SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHPLACE
By Glynn Burrows
What is there left to write about the man and his work? I have nothing to add to the many thousands of books that have already been published, but I will outline a little about the life of William Shakespeare for those of you who have never heard of him.
ON BIG BLEND RADIO: Glynn Burrows talks about his adventures in Stratford-upon-Avon. Watch here in the YouTube player or download the episode on Podbean.
William Shakespeare was baptised on 26th April 1564 in the Church of The Holy Trinity in Stratford-upon-Avon. It is said that he was born on the 23rd of April (St George’s Day) but there is no proof of that. He was buried on the 25th of April 1616 and on his memorial, it is stated that he died on the 23rd of April, so he possibly passed away on his birthday.
William was the son of a glover and, as such, he would have been in a more privileged position than most of the population. This is proved by the fact that he went to school, which, at that time, was something only the rich could do. As the eldest son, he was obviously given the best possible start in life.
When he was eighteen though, having got Anne Hathaway pregnant, he married her and they had their first daughter six months later. There is much conjecture about Shakespeare and his wife, but they had three children and the conjecture is just that.
William spent most of his time in London, writing and performing his plays, but he did return to Stratford upon Avon for a time each year. He finally retired in 1613 and came back to Stratford-upon-Avon which is where he died and was laid to rest in the Church where he was baptised.
So, what can you do in Stratford-upon-Avon if you decide to visit? Is it all about Shakespeare, or are there other attractions?
My wife and I stayed in this beautiful hotel a few miles away and drove in, using the park & ride, where we parked outside the town and took a bus to the centre. There was a small market on the day we visited and it was interesting to see what things were available from around the area.
Walking around, we went to the tourist information center, which is always one of my first stops when I go to a place I’ve not been to for a while, and picked up some leaflets and a map. Speaking to people at the information office gave me some ideas of places to go and their local knowledge was handy to help me to choose where to go for lunch!
There are places in the town that all visitors want to get to see and they include:
Anne Hathaway’s cottage. This is where Shakespeare’s wife was born and where her family had lived for at least two generations before she came along. It’s a picturesque fifteenth-century timber-framed thatched cottage with a fully stocked garden. Typical of the chocolate box pictures of what an English cottage should look like.
Shakespeare’s birthplace. Surprisingly enough, is said to be the house where he was born and where his three children were also born. The house has undergone a lot of changes over the years, but it is where you will learn all you could ever need to know about the family.
The Church of The Holy Trinity. This is where Shakespeare was baptised, where he was buried, and where he worshipped when he was in town. The memorial is really something to see, as it is said to be a very good likeness, having been erected during the lifetime of his widow and several other close members of the family.
The Royal Shakespeare Theatre. If you are a follower of the writings of The Bard, this will be the place you will want to visit, to experience a performance or two of the many plays. The building is right beside the river.
There are many more things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon and while we were there, we took a trip out on a boat, went on the big Ferris wheel, and had a lovely walk in the park.
A really enjoyable weekend, with a bit of culture added in too!
Glynn provides customized, private tours and helps his clients trace their English family history. Past guests have visited and experienced stately houses and gardens, castles and churches, ruins and villages, birding and wildlife, World War II airfields, and general area taster tours too. Accommodations can be in all types of establishments, from character buildings such as windmills, thatched cottages and castles, self-catering or five-star luxury – just say what you want and it can be arranged. Nothing is too much trouble for Glynn! Visit www.Norfolk-Tours.co.uk
