Stratford-upon-Avon
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There are several options depending on the type of tour you’d like. The town guides run historical tours of the town every day (yes, every day) of the year. For those who like to be a bit more daring there are evening ghost walks led by costumed guides who will tell you some of the spooky tales of Stratford. Both of these tours start from the Swan Water Fountain on the riverside. Or if you like the idea of being guided by Shakespeare himself, on a Saturday (and Monday to Saturday through the summer holidays) there are town walks led by the man himself (or someone who looks an awful lot like him!). These run from Tudor World on Sheep Street, an interesting museum in the house that belonged to the man who was, allegedly, the model for Sir John Falstaff.
Holy Trinity Church
Another must-see is the town’s 13th century church with its distinctive spire that dominates the view from the river. Remember that if you have a ticket to the Birthplace properties your visit to the grave is free. The church is famous for being where William Shakespeare was baptised on 26 April 1564. The old font that The Guildhall was used for the baptism is displayed in the chancel, along with copies of both the register Doom Painting. of baptism for April 1564 and the register of burials for April 1616 where Shakespeare’s name can be clearly seen. Also in the chancel, in front of the altar, are the Shakespeare family graves. William’s bears its infamous curse: “GOOD FRIEND FOR JESUS SAKE FOREBEAR, TO DIGG THE DVST ENCLOSED HERE. BLESTE BE YE MAN YT SPARES THESE STONES, AND CURSED BE HE YT MOVES MY BONES.” On the wall above the grave is the effigy of Shakespeare. It’s one of the few images which was produced within the lifetime of Anne Shakespeare, and probably one of the most authentic likenesses of her husband.
The Guildhall and King Edward’s School
Directly opposite the site of New Place stand the Guildhall and the town’s old grammar school. Both of these places have links to the Shakespeare family. King Edward’s School is where the young William is believed to have studied, and it’s probably where he first encountered the classical texts which so inspired him. As the son of a town councillor he would have been entitled to a place. The old school is sometimes open to visitors at weekends or during the holidays but the school has just won a lottery grant which should enable them to open it as a permanent attraction. The Guildhall was sometimes host to groups of travelling players, and so it could be the site where young William first saw theatrical performances. It is widely believed that John Shakespeare, owing to his role as town bailiff, was responsible for supervising the whitewashing of the medieval Doom Painting.
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SHAKESPEARE magazine!
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