A weekend in Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare
Shakespeare’s birthplace
Firstly there was a 10-15 minutes presentation on the life and works of Shakespeare. We found it enjoyable instead of the usual having to ‘stand up’ in a presentation or if you are lucky, to sit down. It was a walk in presentation. We entered different rooms and there was a short commentary with reference to objects around the room, for example, books and pictures.
Having finished the presentation, we walked outside and the highlight of the tour was waiting for us, as if by magic – Shakespeare’s house.
The house was quaint and quite surreal on the outside. I have to highly commend them on having done a splendid job in preserving the building. Unfortunately you are not allowed to take any photographs inside the house. I don’t see this as a problem though, as I feel this is definitely something everyone should experience for themselves and by just looking at a photograph, you wouldn’t be able to feel the atmosphere and it just wouldn’t do it any justice. Anyway we walked through the many different rooms such as the bed chamber, workroom. I should mention for any tall people, please do mind your heads as the doors are quite low. We also had a quick talk with the staff..*cough, cough* I mean the folks from back in the days. Did you know Shakespeare’s father used to sell gloves to passing trade? Upstairs, there were the bedrooms and the original pane of glass from the birthroom where you can see the many famous guests who had etched their signature. It was really interesting to find out more about the real Shakespeare and I do wonder if I had been on this trip in high school, maybe I would have enjoyed English Literature a lot more. Hall’s croft
Hall’s croft is the home of Shakespeare’s eldest daughter Susanna and her husband Doctor John Hall, a physician. The 17th century house is approx. 30 minutes down the road from Shakespeare’s birthplace. I would suggest walking as the route is fairly straight-forward and I did find that the car parking around here can be quite difficult. The house is very grand and the rooms are beautifully decorated. We were given tour cards for each room so when we were walking through the rooms, we tried to spot key features like paintings and books as mentioned on the cards. Upstairs, there was the chance to experience the consulting room complete with medical instruments from the 17th century and the first edition of Dr John Hall’s medical notes.
Anne Hathaway’s cottage
This is the farmhouse and the childhood home of Shakespeare’s wife Anne Hathaway. It is much further than the rest of the houses in the village of Shottery. So I would recommend driving here. The car parking is good and it was very cheap at £1. Through the gate and following the paths, we entered the garden. It stretches for miles and on either side there are lots of traditional vegetables and fruits. It was delightful to read the little black and chalked signs next to the green plants and we attempted to guess what each plant was – failing miserably. According to the Shakespeare birthplace trust, it was here that young Shakespeare wooed is beloved. Inside the thatched farmhouse, you can see the dining area, the store cupboard and the bed chambers upstairs with the Hathway bed. There was also a museum room with items from the house for example, linen sheets.
The garden was pretty and impressive. There was an orchard with lots of apple trees and the Shakespeare tree garden with sculptures based on Shakespeare. We also saw a couple of squirrels running around on the ground and in the trees, which was rather sweet.
Nash’s House and New Place
According to the Shakespeare birthplace trust, Nash’s House is named after Thomas Nash, first husband of Shakespeare’s granddaughter and wealthy property owner. It is also the final house of Shakespeare. Inside, there is an exhibition of Shakespeare’s works, such as extracts from his plays and a little more about the time in 16th century. There is also the mulberry tree in the garden however there was a lot of construction work so we were unable to see much of the garden. I’m sure it would be pretty spectacular in the summer season, when everything is in full bloom.
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