Imagine an English town, replete with half-timbered houses, ancient pubs, quaint inns and three live, working theaters…all prospering and hosting thousands of tourists… why? Because the greatest writer of the English language (and some say the greatest writer of all times) was born here, lived here, married here and was buried here. And who might that be? William Shakespeare, of course!
A two hour train ride from London, and you’re transported to the 16th century. Or, perhaps you are leaving on a group tour of England and you haven’t really done your homework about where you’ll visit or what you’ll see. You are in for an experience indeed. Remember your English Lit professor who spoke reverently of “The Bard” and then you read a couple of the plays, but weren’t sure you understood them? Well, it will all be clear very soon, because you will be surrounded by the aura, the ghost, the memory of the immortal William Shakespeare.
Born here in 1564 on Henley Street, his childhood home is still preserved. See how a working class family lived in the 16th century; his father was a glove maker (a good trade back then) and prospered. He sent his William to school where he obtained a fine, classic education. Shakespeare courted and married Ann Hathaway, whose home also is beautifully preserved and open for visiting, but he left her and his children for the bright lights of…no, not Broadway…London! Talk about success! He became actor, manager, theater owner and author of 37 plays of histories, tragedies, comedies and numerous essays. He amassed a tidy fortune before returning to Stratford.
You may visit his burial place in Holy Trinity Church. The very best part of the visit is actually attending one of his plays in his home town. The Royal Shakespeare Company has its home here and the greatest names in English theater have performed on this stage, at one time or another. You should order tickets in advance, but if you haven’t, and are persevering and lucky (as I was,) you can obtain a ticket at the pre-curtain waiting line. I saw one of the Henrys there one June evening a few years ago, and the memory remains fresh. Brilliant acting, excellent acoustics, fabulous scenery and special effects, all in all, a very satisfying theatrical evening. The only down side was the intermission bar: the Brits still don’t understand “on the rocks”! One tiny ice cube on a very hot summer night Midsummer’s Night Dream.
For those who are theater buffs and have time, visits can be arranged to the Property Shop, Wigs and Makeup Shop, Scenery Workshop & Studio and (this one sounds fascinating!) the Armoury where swords and weapons and body armor is custom made for each actor.
By this time you’ve worked up a hunger and a big thirst…so it’s time for a real British pub. There are several historic pubs and a few small, tucked away spots that serve light food, or even dinner at the larger venues, so you can eat and drink with the locals and have a jolly time.
Stratford-upon-Avon is Shakespeare’s hometown and one of England’s most charming destinations. Our advisors’ Common Mistakes to Avoid When Traveling to Europe guide covers British destinations alongside the continent.
