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DestinationsDestinationsOther |
Stratford-upon-Avon EnglandINTRODUCTION Soak in some of England’s history in Shakespeare’s hometown. Seventeenth-century buildings stand next to modern constructions, and both house great shops and restaurants. You can tour the buildings that featured in Shakespeare’s life and savor a performance by the Royal Shakespeare Company, where many of today’s most famous actors have performed, including Sir Patrick Stewart, Ralph Fiennes, and Dame Judi Dench. Though fairly touristy, Stratford-upon-Avon still has a quiet spirit and much to love. HISTORY The Saxons founded Stratford-upon-Avon in the 7th century. Its name comes from the Saxon word for street and the Celtic word for river. By Shakespeare’s time, the plague had struck the small population of this market town hard, but not fatally. The town grew, however slowly, despite this devastation. Shakespeare was born on April 26, 1564, to John and Mary (formerly Arden) Shakespeare in a house on Henley Street. He attended the grammar school in town from age 7 to 14, and at 18, married 25-year-old and pregnant Anne Hathaway. They had three children, Susanna, Judith and Hamnet, though Hamnet did not survive to adulthood. Before he was 30, Shakespeare was a successful actor and playwright in London. He wrote 37 plays and 154 sonnets, many of which are considered some of the best of English literature. He died on April 25, 1616 and was buried in Stratford’s Holy Trinity Church, the same church where he was baptized. In 1607, Stratford also produced John Harvard, a prominent teacher and minister in New England, whom Harvard University was named for. Stratford became a popular tourist destination in the 19th century, especially after the addition of a railway. The Shakespeare Memorial Theatre opened in 1879, and Stratford became home to the Royal Shakespeare Company. ATTRACTIONS Shakespeare’s Houses and Gardens Restaurants Bensons This restaurant and tea room has an elegant, modern décor and a delicious menu full of fresh ingredients. Bensons serves scones with creamy clotted cream and a strawberry on top, over fifty varieties of tea, gourmet sandwiches and irresistible pastries. The Dirty Duck Properly known as the Black Swan, this pub is a popular spot for RSC actors after performances. Come here to rub shoulders with your favorites. Hathaway Tea Room & Bakery This Tudor-style building complete with uneven floorboards was built in 1631. Cream tea comes with a scone and one of the delicious cakes from the bakery. Service can be a bit slow, but take the time to soak in the atmosphere and dream about the cake you saw in the display outside. Oscar’s This is a popular lunch spot with good, inexpensive food. My favorite is the baguette sandwich with cranberry, chicken and brie. Lodging Linhill Guest House With reasonably-priced rooms, delicious meals, and a warm family atmosphere, make this Victorian brick house your home while in Stratford. This charming, family-run B&B has a variety of rooms available for a single guest up to a family of four. A generous continental breakfast is included, and home-cooked dinners are available by request. PERSONAL STORIES 
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