Shakespeare Birthplace and Properties
Shakespeare Properties, Shakespeare Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 6QW
If you are a Japanese person you have to be photographed outside the main Shakespeare Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon, that's just one of the things you do on your world tour. Once awash with American tourists the house and the town now sees fewer folk from the USA but it is still a tourist Mecca for many thousands of other visitors. The museum itself is interesting but the actual house is so artificial (although recently renovated) that you cannot imagine anyone ever living there let alone the most famous bard in the world. Still the gardens are suitably seventeenth century in inspiration and worth a photograph or two for those looking for something quintessentially English with a bit of Box. Shakespeare's father was a civic worthy in the town and may have had a formal garden and indeed there are many references to formal clipping in the "complete works" so it is something he would have been familiar with in the wider world.
Public Gardens beside "New Place"
"New Place"Far better is "New Place" at the other end of town which Shakespeare moved into when he had scooped up fame and fortune from London. The gardens and especially the public gardens next to them are well worth a visit for the topiarist. Mature yew hedges abound and there's a lovely monument to William himself in the corner. Its just a few minutes walk from the Royal Shakespeare Theatre on the river but I wonder how many theatre goers actually wander up the narrow side street leading towards the Town Centre to see it.
View of the church
Monument to Garrick
All photographs by Anthony Blagg.
