An Introduction to Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon
Twenty-five kilometres west of Birmingham, on the banks of the River Avon in Warwickshire, sits the medieval market town of Stratford-upon-Avon. Famous for its association with the playwright William Shakespeare, this town has embraced all things literary and turned its tourism industry into one of the most important economic supports of the town.
Officially, the town was founded in 1196 so school trips to Stratford-upon-Avon are well worthwhile for students with interest in history, literature or literary history. While in the town, students will see Shakespeare’s birthplace, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Hall’s Croft, and can take in a show by one of the world’s best-known theatre companies, the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Shakespeare’s Birthplace — Located on Henley Street the house was purchased by William’s father, John, in 1556, and in 1564 it was where William was born. He grew up here while his father worked as a local glove maker; students can still see how the house was originally divided to accommodate both the domestic life and his father’s business. School trips to Shakespeare’s birthplace will take students into the house, which has been carefully refurbished with meticulous attention to detail. It allows students to feel like they have returned to the 16th century and walked into Shakespeare’s private life – the house he returned to live in for a few years after his marriage to Anne Hathaway.
Anne Hathaway’s Cottage — William and Anne married in 1582, when William was just 18 and his bride was 26 or 27 and pregnant with their first of three children. There has been much speculation about the sentiments between Shakespeare and Hathaway, with his bequeath of ‘the second best bed’ being the only thing Shakespeare left her in his will. A visit to Anne’s childhood home just to the west of the town, in another small village called Shottery, is worth an excursion for students studying Shakespeare in school. Trips to the beautifully thatched cottage, where Shakespeare likely courted Anne, are fascinating, as it still contains pieces of furniture original to the 16th century.
Hall’s Croft — Found in the Old Town, Hall’s Croft was home to Shakespeare’s daughter and her well-known husband, Dr. John Hall. The impressive house was built in 1613 and is a testament to the couple’s wealth and power in Stratford-upon-Avon. After Shakespeare’s death, Susanna and Dr. Hall moved to New Place. Currently Croft’s Hall is a museum and exhibition area where students on school trips can wander through and can get a feel for the life of the privileged of the time and learn the history of some of the obscure medical practices of the period.
Royal Shakespeare Company — As one of the best-known theatre companies in the world, and one of Britain’s cultural treasures, schools trips must include RSC theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon in the itinerary. The first theatre in the town was built in 1769, but was washed away soon after. There was a small theatre built in the New Place location in the early to mid 19th century, but it soon fell into disrepair. However, in 1875, Charles Flower donated the current site and the first theatre opened in 1879, with a touring company resident every spring. Over the years the format has changed slightly, and in 2011 the Queen officially opened the transformed Royal Shakespeare Theatre, which was celebrating its 50th year
Adrianna Goldstiver works for Equity School Travel, experts in creating educational visits for schools and colleges. We organise
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