Shakespeare’s Worcestershire

We have always promoted Worcestershire as a County that is linked to all the Great events in the history of Britain and in some cases World History. It’s this fact that makes our job easier, as we are not reliant on one historical period to write about.

When we think of Chester, many people think of the Romans. When we think of Bath, many think of Regency period. York is often seen as the place to learn about Viking History. However we are fortunate, living in the County of Worcestershire, rich in Heritage.

William Shakespeare is usually associated with Warwickshire, but we must remember that the Bard would have known his neighbouring County very well.

When William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway realised she was with child in 1582, William knew he had to obtain a special Marriage Licence to prevent public disgrace and possible ruin for both families!

Stratford sat in the Dioceses of Worcester, so a hurried License would have brought him to the City of Worcester and the Bishops Court. William may have visited Worcester before, as it was a powerful Wool producing City on the banks of the tidal River Severn. The Shakespeare family were involved in the Cloth Trade and Glovers from Stratford upon Avon, and William may have run errands for his parents, for business purposes.

Nestled just inside the Medieval City Wall of Worcester, stands Old St Martin’s Church. It sits almost opposite the East Gate, known as St Martin’s Gate. The Church once housed the Marriage Bond between ‘William Shagspere’ and ‘Anne Hathwey.’ This is now housed in the County Archive located at the HIVE. It sits alongside the Will of William’s Grandfather - Robert Arden. Unfortunately the actual Marriage Register for the Church has pages missing for the year 1582, which means there is no evidence that William and Anne Married at the Church. When you look at the Bishops Register, we do have an entry for ‘Shaxpere’ and a woman called ‘Anne Whateley.’

Across Worcestershire there are many tales and stories that William Shakespeare frequented the pubs and houses in the area. Unfortunately, we will never know how true these oral histories are.

The Old Bull at Inkberrow has many tales about William Shakespeare. This quaint, old English, Timber Framed pub looks right, and you can almost see William supping an Ale with a feather quill and paper in his hand. The most popular tale at the Old Bull is that William stopped here when he was racing to obtain his Special Marriage Licence in Worcester.

When William Shakespeare moved away from the family business and began acting, he was moving in a world that was not as respected as it is today. Many Theatres were located in the dark areas of towns and Cities. Some were seen as dangerous places, where people mixed with Prostitutes, did shady deals and Cut Purses stole from unsuspecting audiences. Acting was seen as a low social career and one known for disorder and drunkenness!

Today William Shakespeare is World Famous and whose name is known by almost everyone in society. From Historians, school children and Actors to Farmer and Supermarket Assistants. One of the earliest people to promote the Bard was John Heminges who was born near Droitwich. He was baptised at St Peters Church and at the age of 12 became an Apprentice to a London Grocer.

It was at this time he fell in love with the Theatre and Acting Scene in the City of great opportunities. John became a member of the famous ‘King’s Men’, who acted across London and were something we know William Shakespeare was connected with. It is believed John was the first Actor to play Falstaff. John Heminges left the stage to become the manager In 1623, John knew how good Shakespeare’s plays were and decided to help create a Folio of his greatest works. Some people say that without this Droitwich man’s foresight, Shakespeare’s works may have been lost forever!

As we move out of the Covid-19 Restrictions this Summer, I would really encourage the readers to support Heritage sites, Theatres and places of hospitality. It has been revealed that visiting Heritage Sites, castles, scheduled ancient monuments, or just getting outdoors is great for your mental health, as much as the effect it has on your physical health. n By Paul Harding Discover History Facebook and YouTube - Discover History Instagram and Twitter -DiscoverHISTPH www.discover-history.co.uk

Discover History is an award winning education and Living History Performance Company based in Worcester. They specialise in the local history of Worcestershire and deliver school workshops and history days, living history performances and talks across Britain.

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