Stratford-upon-Avon: Discover William Shakespeare’s birthplace

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Stratford-upon-Avon is one of England’s most famous historic towns, due to being the birthplace of playwright William Shakespeare. This also has its drawbacks, as the town does suffer from overtourism (after London, it’s the most visited place in England).

Located in the West Midlands county of Warwickshire on the banks of the River Avon, the town still retains its ancient timber-framed black-and-white buildings. And also enjoys charming streets and riverside settings, retained to look like they did hundreds of years ago.

Who was William Shakespeare?

The Illustrated William Shakespeare

Shakespeare is still thought of as England’s greatest living playwright (there is debate on whether he wrote some plays, but experts says that he did likely write most or all of them).

Born into a wealthy family in 1564, he was also a property developer. And very left-leaning with his politics. If he was alive today, he likely would be an MP. He stood up for the downtrodden in society, and was very vocal about it too.

Shakespeare has no direct ancestors, as all of his children died without having children themselves. His wife Anne Hathaway had a family cottage just outside the town in the village of Shottery, which is also now a popular tourist attraction. Hall’s Croft is another histric property, which was owned by Shakespeare’s daughter Susanna and her husband, Dr John Hall.

Then of course there is the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, located besides the River Avon and home to many performances of his plays. Some well-known actors who have performed here include: