Stratford-Upon-Avon, the home of William Shakespeare. In the beautiful Warwickshire countryside of England. A gem of a town. So much to do and so little time. We have two full days here and we already know that it is not enough time to see everything. But we know that we will do the 'Shakespeare Shuffle' in the town. A ticket to visit five historic homes that Shakespeare had connections to.
"All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players: they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts, his acts being seven ages." William Shakespeare, As You Like It.
"What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet." William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet
The home where Shakespeare was born, in 1564, is actually located on a busy pedestrian street in between shops and cafes in the town centre. It is the most cherished historic place in Stratford. Surrounded by stunning gardens and peaceful areas to sit and contemplate about a man who is celebrated and loved for more than 450 years.
"Be not afraid of greatness: some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them." William Shakespeare, Twelfth Night
Shakespeare's Birthday Parade 450th Anniversary Celebrations will take place here in April 2014.
"It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves." William Shakespeare.
The flower beds along the Avon River, spectacular.
"I like this place and willingly could waste my time in it." William Shakespeare, As You Like It
The River Avon (thus Stratford-Upon Avon) runs along the scenic Stratford. Below is a view of the Clopton Bridge, built in 1480 by the Saxons. An arch bridge with 14 pointed spans.
"Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind, and therefore is winged Cupid painted blind." William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night's Dream
The New Place, also known as the Nash House (which was adjoined to Shakespeare's home) was his home with Anne until his death in 1616. Torn down in the 18th century, the actual home was built on the green grass below. The foundations and grounds can still be visited.
"O Romeo, Romeo! wherefore art thous Romeo?" William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet
The garden below is an Elizabethan-style knott garden created eighty years ago!
"This above all; to thine own self be true." William Shakespeare, Hamlet
Holy Trinity Church in Stratford. Beautiful. An incredible path from here to the bridges, lets you experience a 'water colour painting' kind of scenery.
"Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?
Thou art more lovely and more temperate:
Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May,
And summer's lease hath all too short a date." William Shakespeare, Sonnet 18
Shakespeare died at age 52. He lies in a special grave with his family members at the Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-Upon-Avon.
"To be, or not to be: that is the question." William Shakespeare, Hamlet
Back in England for the best scones in all the UK.....I'm an expert now. I believe we should have Afternoon Tea as often as possible. It is so civilized and makes me feel like a Queen.
"Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none." William Shakespeare, All's Well That Ends Well
Hall's Croft is where Shakespeare's eldest daughter Susanna lived with her husband. There is a lovely Tea Room and herb gardens to visit. An incredible flower garden that attract the English birds.
"Can one desire too much of a good thing?" William Shakespeare, As You Like It
The river edge pathway from the Church to the bridges. I feel like we are in a Monet painting!
"I would challenge you to a battle of wits, but I see you are unarmed!" William Shakespeare, quote
The Royal Shakespeare Company where we saw the play "Henry IV Part 1." My Shakespeare has never been great, but I have always loved to listen to the plays even if I catch only a quarter of what they say. Many famous actors and actresses have and still do perform in this historic theatre. Such as Judi Dench, Ian McKellen, Ralph Fiennes, Kenneth Branagh, and my much loved, favourite actor, Patrick Stewart.
"But love is blind, and lovers cannot see." William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice
The view from the tower at the Royal Shakespeare Company.
"I bear a charmed life." William Shakespeare, Macbeth
Deb and I opted to walk back to Stratford along the scenic and historic canal. Called Canal Holiday boats, these long vessels can be rented as homes along the numerous miles of canals in this area. The only catch I see, is that along our walk we counted more that 20 locks that needed to be manually operated? It might be more enjoyable for us to park it and hike to see the countryside. Unless anyone would like to volunteer to be our Captain?
"We know what we are, but not what we may be." William Shakespeare, Hamlet
Mary Arden's farm is about three miles from Stratford. She was Shakespeare's Mother. Her home, a timbered Tudor farmhouse is a working farm with animals, fruits and vegetables, a blacksmith as well as demonstrations of falconry. We spent about two hours there and in reality we could have made it an entire day. Incredible place. I will be posting more photos of these homes in my upcoming blogs, including the incredible owls.
"My bounty is as boundless as the sea,
My love as deep; the more I give to thee,
The more I have, for both are infinite." William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet
Anne Hallaway's cottage, wife of William Shakespeare, is a lovely walk about one and a half miles outside of the town centre. He married her when she was 25 and he was 18. This is the cottage where Anne was born and raised until she married in 1582. Incredible gardens and acres of green space. Part of the existing home was built in the mid-fifteenth century. Even some of the furnishings belonged to the Hallaway's family and their descendants. A must if you visit Stratford-Upon-Avon.
"Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow, that I shall say good night till it be morrow."
William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet
A wee English kitty watching my beloved birds!!
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