Shakespeare Land

I've just got back from a trip to Stratford-upon-Avon. I visited the houses that are looked after by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. There are 5 houses that have been preserved over the last 500 years that all have a connection with Shakespeare. The history and stories surrounding the man is quite incredible. I don't know if you'll have time to look around them all when we visit in June, however if you ever up there they are worth a visit.

This photo is of the house that William was born in. He lived here with his family. His father ran his glove making visit from here. Making gloves was a great business, everyone wore gloves as a status sign. They are like today's designer handbags and clothes.

This photo is of Nash's House and New Place. This is currently shut to the public. There is currently a dig happening in the gardens. It is said that Shakespeare wrote most of his plays outside in the gardens. He also lived here later in his life.  

Hall's Croft, below, is where Shakespeare's eldest daughter Susanna lived with her husband. He was a doctor. 

The photo below is of Anne Hathaway's cottage. This is where Shakespeare's wife grew up with her family. It stayed in the family for many years.

It is said that Shakespeare left his 'second best bed' to his wife in his will. This was seen as a romantic gesture. Beds were status symbols. If you were rich enough to own a bed, your best bed would be for guests and the second best bed was for you. The bed below was moved back to Hathaway's cottage when Anne died. This bed would have originally been Anne's mother's. She would have given it to Anne when she moved in with Shakespeare. It is also said that Shakespeare died in this bed. It took him around 5 days to die, and there is no evidence of what he died of...

Here is the link to the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust if you want anymore information:

http://www.shakespeare.org.uk/home.html