Stratford-Upon-Avon This is England at its Finest

It was in 1196 that Stratford-upon-Avon was firstparaphernalia. Outside in the walled garden, you will
granted the right to hold a market and recognised asfind varieties of herbs and trees used in medicines of
a town. Its name has become synonymous with itsthe time.
most famous son - William Shakespeare who wasHoly Trinity
born here in 1564.Dating from the thirteenth century this is the final
The town remains mostly unspoilt with fine examplesresting place of William Shakespeare. Alongside him
of Elizabethan buildings in a picturesque setting. Therest his wife and daughter Susanna. If you happen to
river Avon runs through this pretty town and thebe in Stratford on the Sunday closest to St. George's
marina harbours an array of brightly coloured boatsday you will witness a grand possession of people,
providing a holiday atmosphere to what has becomeincluding school children from Shakespeare's old
the most popular tourist attraction outside London.school, coming to honour him and lay flowers at his
Shakespeare's Birthplacegrave.
Shakespeare was born of middle class parentage andHarvard House
his home has been lovingly and authentically restored.There are many other attractions to entice you to
It provides an insight into life during the Elizabethanvisit Stratford-Upon -Avon. Harvard House may be of
period. The actual birth room has been recentlyparticular interest to American visitors. Amongst the
refurbished revealing a less austere look.interesting exhibits you will find the walking stick of
The room is 'decorated' with some interesting graffitiThomas Davis the Southern leader in the Civil war.
of the many famous visitors. Robert Browning andThis house was the home of John Harvard whose
Walter Scott are just two of the literary giants thatlegacy is that of Harvard University.
have scratched their names into the walls, ceilings andThe Royal Shakespeare Theatre
windows of this room.The Royal Shakespeare Theatre is the centre of
Ann Hathaway's Houseactivity for the royal Shakespeare Company famous
At aged just 18, Shakespeare married Annethe world over. The theatre was designed specifically
Hathaway who was many years older than him. Annfor the performance of Shakespeare's plays. Set on
lived in a house situated two miles from the centrethe banks of the river Avon it is best viewed at
of Stratford. It was occupied by the Hathawaynight when floodlit. Here you will find many artefacts
family up until 1892. Here you will be fascinated by anfrom the theatre on view and a picture gallery of
Elizabethan kitchen and beautiful English countryfamous Shakespearian thespians.
garden. There is a seat by the great fire place whereA visit to Stratford will take you to the heart of the
Shakespeare is said to have sat whilst courting Ann.area known as the Cotswolds renowned for its rolling
Hall's Croftgentle hills and distinctive Cotswold stone buildings.
In 1607, Shakespeare's daughter Susanna, marriedSteeped in history and folklore, dotted with quaint
local physician Dr John Hall. This impressive Tudorvillages and churches, dry stone walls and village
building was named after him. Here you will find agreens, this is England at its finest. To quote the bard
collection of sixteenth and seventeenth centuryhimself, 'I like this place and could willingly waste my
paintings and furnishings typical of a middle classtime in it.
family. Also, there is a collection of medical