Stratford-Upon-Avon - Warwickshire - An Attractive Market Town

Stratford-upon-Avon - Warwickshire - is an attractive market town in the heart of England. Stratford's claim to fame is that William Shakespeare was born here in 1564. Though little is known of the time he spent here, his name is everywhere - street names, souvenirs, statues, pub signs, theatres, and even the 'Shakespeare Houses'. The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust administers these, undertaking continuing research and restoration and equipping the buildings with period furniture and fittings, exhibitions, and a variety of 'living history' displays.

Set in lovely gardens, Ann Hathaway's Cottage, childhood home of the Bard's wife, is a thatched farmhouse in Shottery, just outside town, while in Wilmcote, five kilometres away, the family home of his mother Mary Arden is once again a working '16th century' farm, complete with dairy and rare breed animals.

Shakespeare died in 1616 and is buried in the chancel of Holy Trinity Church; his family added the well-known effigy seven years afterwards. In his lifetime, Stratford had no theatre; now, the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and the Swan Theatre (a replica Elizabethan theatre) stand on the riverside. As well as performances, the theatres offer a collection of costumes and memorabilia as well as backstage tours.

When you feel like a break from all the literature culture you can go for a stroll in one of the beautiful gardens or enjoy riverside walks of which there are plenty throughout the city. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also rent a boat and sail on the River Avon.

You can visit Stratford persons at any time of year, but during the school holidays and tourist season, viewers can be a bit 'too much for some. The city itself has a population of only about 24, 000, but you can win up to 3 million tourists a year, then select the time of your visit carefully.

Stratford-Upon-Avon Warwickshire - The Town Where Shakespeare Was Born

     Stratford-upon-Avon Warwickshire is located on the River Avon and besides being the birthplace of William Shakespeare it also has other attractions that are worth taking in. It is also a market town with a lot of history to it, though the most famous places are the five different homes that have a close connection with William Shakespeare and his immediate family.

     There is also Stratford Old Town that is home to Holy Trinity Church which is where Shakespeare is buried and which is among the prettiest churches in all of England. Stratford upon Avon Warwickshire is also alive with history and culture and boasts of excellent shops and restaurants and there is also the famous Friday market. The town also hosts the Stratford Races.

     Stratford was born in medieval times and its origins are mainly Anglo Saxon and the name itself is a fusion of street and ford and this in turn is a reference to the fording of the River Avon by a road built by the Romans.

     Stratford is situated twenty odd miles to the east of Birmingham. One of its main attractions is the oldest street in the town and which goes by the name of Henley Street while another famous street in this town, Sheep Street was one the residential part of the town. As can be implied from its name, Sheep Street was primarily used for sheep that were brought from close by Cotswold Hills to be slaughtered as well as butchered.

     However, today it is home to numerous exciting restaurants and it is also famous for its shops that sell ladies gowns. The other famous landmark of this town, the Royal Shakespeare Theatre was created by Elisabeth Scot and today provides a home to the Royal Shakespeare Company.

     However, the main attractions are the five different homes that are linked to Shakespeare and which today are owned as well as taken care of by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.