Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon - Britain All Over Travel Guide

Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire

History | Famous Visitors | Nearby | Access

William Shakespeare’s birthplace is a restored 16th-century half-timbered house located on Henley Street in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England.

Shakespeare’s Birthplace History

In this house, it is believed that William Shakespeare was born in 1564, and he spent his childhood years here. The historic house is now a museum open to the public and a popular tourist attraction. The Bard’s birthplace has been called “a Mecca for all lovers of literature”.

William Shakespeare's birthplace, Stratford upon Avon, UK

A Mecca for all lovers of literature

Shakespeare’s Birthplace is a relatively simple house, but it would have been considered quite a large dwelling in the late 16th century.

William Shakespeare’s father, John, was a glove maker and wool dealer. The house was originally divided into two parts, one for his business and one for his residence. He bought the house in 1556. Shakespeare lived here with his wife Anne Hathaway for the first five years of their marriage before he left for London.

Architecturally speaking, the building was a typical house of the times and was constructed in wattle and daub around a wooden frame.

The visitor centre affords information on Shakespeare’s life and times, making the most of the few facts we actually know about the man himself.

There’s a copy of the First Folio in pride of place and multi-media exhibits to explain the Bard’s childhood in the house. Costumed actors are active in the garden to reciting famous passages from the plays and sonnets.

Shakespeare’s home, interior, Stratford upon Avon

Famous Visitors

Charles Dickens, Sir Walter Scott and Thomas Carlyle were among the famous names that visited Shakespeare’s Birthplace and autographed the walls and windows. Some of those signatures can still be found on the windowpanes around the house. Furthermore, a guest book at Shakespeare’s Birthplace features the signatures of Lord Byron, Lord Tennyson, John Keats, and William Thackeray.

Shakespeare Centre

Nearby

Visitors to the Shakespeare Centre museum should also visit Shakespeare’s grave in the Holy Trinity Church and Anne Hathaway’s cottage in Shottery which are both nearby.