Stratford-Upon-Avon

Another month, another adventure! Keeping things local I chose to visit Stratford-Upon-Avon to see what all the fuss is about. William Shakespeare, Britain's great poet and playwright was born in Stratford-Upon-Avon during the Elizabethan reign of Queen Elizabeth I of England. Myself and my friend Lyndsey took the train from Birmingham's Moor Street station to Stratford-Upon-Avon for our Shakespearean adventure. What historical delights did we see? Has Stratford-Upon-Avon lost its charm because of the masses of tourists that visit this town each day? 

Starting from the beginning, William Shakespeare's Birthplace stood before us. Born in 1564 in the Warwickshire town of Stratford-Upon-Avon. Myself and Lydnsey decided not to buy the five houses pass because we wanted to enjoy this town our way! I really think that Shakespeare's Birthplace looked very well preserved, a true British gem! Taking a photo of this attraction took some work because the masses of tourists wouldn't stop walking past the building in-question. Getting to Shakespeare's Birthplace was very easy, just follow the signs from Stratford's railway station, it took us five minutes to walk there.

Since moving back from America I have made it my mission to seek adventure within the West Midlands area, but on this occasion I shall extend this vision to Warwickshire. I really did enjoy seeing Shakespeare's Birthplace because it did get me thinking about William Shakespeare's early years. Judging by the size of the building could of meant that William Shakespeare's family were in a good financial situation when he was born in 1564? Looking over the privets of the main building it was easy to see that multiple houses were connected to Shakespeare's Birthplace, maybe buying a ticket to see behind the reservation desk may have allowed us to see more? None-the-less, I know that seeing this site the way we did was worth the money we saved. 

Captured to the left is the River Avon, we sat upon the banks of this river to catch the early afternoon sun. With Stratford's 'Royal Shakespeare Theatre' overlooking the waters of the Avon it was a lovely sight for sure. Watching the rowing boats skim past on the water was great, should we try our luck on the water? Let's just say we had an experience with the rowing boats, but the least I say about that experience the better! The weather was beautiful, if the clouds had broken up the sun would have felt warmer but you can't have everything. 

The riverside was packed to the brim with lots of other tourists, most of these people sounded American! It's clear to see that North American tourists have a passion for places like Stratford-Upon-Avon because of the town's rich Shakespearean past. There was just something about this part of Stratford, a small town feeling with a large tourist following. There aren't many other towns that have the past that Stratford has been blessed with. Walking along the riverside was great, but we had not planned to visit the Avon so early during our Stratford day as we originally wanted to see Anne Hathaway's Cottage before the river. Stratford-Upon-Avon has a strange layout, something that cannot be helped due to the age of the town, so our sense of direction did get compromised. Stratford we love you and the River Avon too!

Holy Trinity Church showed us the grave of William Shakespeare, taking our day down a spiritual path. The Church itself looked lovely, lots of historical features were on display. Upon entering the church both of us adopted a whispered demeanour, being respectful we light a candle for a dearly departed loved one. Paying our donation myself and Lyndsey made our way to the foot of Shakespeare's grave, for what I saw was inspiring. I hadn't been to a church for a very long time upon visiting Holy Trinity Church, so I could appreciate what I was about to see. 

The Church of the Holy Trinity stands close to the River Avon, so close in fact it can be viewed from the opposite side of the river. This church holds a lot history for William Shakespeare because on the 26th April 1564 the playwright was baptised at this church. The famous poet began his life at Holy Trinity Church and was fatefully put to rest here on the 25 April 1616. Visiting this church has in essence brought me closer to the life and times of William Shakespeare. From rivers, to birthplaces and then onto reflecting in church our day in Stratford-Upon-Avon had been extremely productive and cultured. Who knew that Stratford-Upon Avon would show me so much history and personality?

As our day in Stratford-Upon-Avon entered its final stages we had one more place to visit. Walking around one mile away from William Shakespeare's Birthplace took us to Anne Hathaway's Cottage. Anne Hathaway was William Shakespeare's wife, making her cottage home since her early childhood. During Shakespeare's time Anne Hathaway's Cottage was known as Newlands Farm. I loved the thatched roof, something that I don't see everyday in the metropolis that is Birmingham. Out of all the Shakespeare Trust properties I would say that Anne Hathaway's Cottage was located quite far from Stratford's main town center. 

Opting to not entertain the idea of paying to see inside the cottage we marveled at this property from the outside. I'm not really into museums so I would say that going inside the properties would be just like seeing a museum, I like to see buildings and places from the outside to make my own option of what the inside looks like. I would have loved to be transported back to the days of Shakespeare to see what life would be like back in the 1500's and 1600's. Even though Anne Hathaway's Cottage is located away from the center of the action I would say that the tranquil location of the cottage added to the area. Thanks Anne, you've got a great house!

Stratford-Upon-Avon I Love You !!!

Joseph Harrison