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| Some random stories, reminiscences and articles about Stratford and the surrounding area. |
"My Home Town"
by dwg
Stratford-upon-Avon is a market town in Warwickshire with a population (in 2008) of about
25,000. It is located on the river Avon (a Welsh word which actually means river) on the
banks of which stands the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, formerly the Shakespeare Memorial
Theatre, which was designed by the English architect, Elisabeth Scott, and completed in
1932 after the earlier destruction of the original building by a fire in 1926. The town, in
common with London and Oxford, is probably the most popular tourist destination in England
because of its connections with William Shakespeare who was born there in 1564. A large
tourist industry has developed so that Stratford receives about three million visitors every year.
King Edward VI Grammar School (KES). Shakespeare is thought to have been
educated at KES. I was a pupil there from 1948 to 1955, and am very lucky to have spent my
formative years at such a good school with such excellent staff. I made many friends, with
some of whom I'm still in touch, and had a very happy time there, as well as a good
education. The Alms Houses are attached to the original school buildings, whilst the Guild
Chapel is also part of the school.
by dwg
Stratford-upon-Avon is a market town in Warwickshire with a population (in 2008) of about
25,000. It is located on the river Avon (a Welsh word which actually means river) on the
banks of which stands the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, formerly the Shakespeare Memorial
Theatre, which was designed by the English architect, Elisabeth Scott, and completed in
1932 after the earlier destruction of the original building by a fire in 1926. The town, in
common with London and Oxford, is probably the most popular tourist destination in England
because of its connections with William Shakespeare who was born there in 1564. A large
tourist industry has developed so that Stratford receives about three million visitors every year.
King Edward VI Grammar School (KES). Shakespeare is thought to have been
educated at KES. I was a pupil there from 1948 to 1955, and am very lucky to have spent my
formative years at such a good school with such excellent staff. I made many friends, with
some of whom I'm still in touch, and had a very happy time there, as well as a good
education. The Alms Houses are attached to the original school buildings, whilst the Guild
Chapel is also part of the school.
Bridge Street runs from the junction with High Street down the hill towards the River Avon. It
is a wide street and used to have a market in the middle. I lived at number 32 from about
1939 to 1944. My parents, Bill and Vera Gregory, ran what was then a pub on the premises of
R M Bird and Co, Wine Merchants. We lived in the flat above the pub. The windows are still
preserved in the modern building, currently occupied by BHS, so that I can identify my
childhood bedroom, which looked across to the "Red Lion" and a tobacconist's shop (Lands
?). Click on this link - 32 Bridge Street - for a short history of this building and of the
"Mulberries" - and for a brief history of the "Golden Lion", click on this link - Golden Lion.
"The Anchor" was on the corner of Waterside (run in those days by Jim Ayres, I believe) and
the "George" (now "Next"), run by Jack and Dorothy Eborall, at the top of Bridge Street. Both
R M Birds and the "George" had extensive cellars which went out under Bridge Street.
During the war we used to shelter in the cellars at Birds when the sirens went - the
neighbours used to come in too, and have a few drinks until the "all clear" ! Next to Bird's was
Bert Phipp's, the greengrocers. During the war the "Red Horse" (now M&S) was used to billet
servicemen, mostly Canadian and then later American I think. We also lived at the
"Mulberries" for a while, before we moved into Bird's. I used to play on the iron balcony on the
first floor - still preserved - and my cousin almost dropped me over the rail one day. My father
buried loads of Bird's ginger beer bottles in the garden during the war (don't ask me why) -
later these were dug up and sold by the company who moved into the first redevelopment,
which caused him great amusement ! Some of you may remember the "Sugar Loaf", a cafe
above Lloyds Bank on the corner of Union Street, and also the Milk Bar, between the "Red
Horse" and Bert Phipp's shop.
is a wide street and used to have a market in the middle. I lived at number 32 from about
1939 to 1944. My parents, Bill and Vera Gregory, ran what was then a pub on the premises of
R M Bird and Co, Wine Merchants. We lived in the flat above the pub. The windows are still
preserved in the modern building, currently occupied by BHS, so that I can identify my
childhood bedroom, which looked across to the "Red Lion" and a tobacconist's shop (Lands
?). Click on this link - 32 Bridge Street - for a short history of this building and of the
"Mulberries" - and for a brief history of the "Golden Lion", click on this link - Golden Lion.
"The Anchor" was on the corner of Waterside (run in those days by Jim Ayres, I believe) and
the "George" (now "Next"), run by Jack and Dorothy Eborall, at the top of Bridge Street. Both
R M Birds and the "George" had extensive cellars which went out under Bridge Street.
During the war we used to shelter in the cellars at Birds when the sirens went - the
neighbours used to come in too, and have a few drinks until the "all clear" ! Next to Bird's was
Bert Phipp's, the greengrocers. During the war the "Red Horse" (now M&S) was used to billet
servicemen, mostly Canadian and then later American I think. We also lived at the
"Mulberries" for a while, before we moved into Bird's. I used to play on the iron balcony on the
first floor - still preserved - and my cousin almost dropped me over the rail one day. My father
buried loads of Bird's ginger beer bottles in the garden during the war (don't ask me why) -
later these were dug up and sold by the company who moved into the first redevelopment,
which caused him great amusement ! Some of you may remember the "Sugar Loaf", a cafe
above Lloyds Bank on the corner of Union Street, and also the Milk Bar, between the "Red
Horse" and Bert Phipp's shop.
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"Stratford-Upon-Avon This is England at its Finest"
by Ann Coveney
It was in 1196 that Stratford-upon-Avon was first granted the right to hold a market and
recognised as a town. Its name has become synonymous with its most famous son – William
Shakespeare who was born here in 1564.
The town remains mostly unspoilt with fine examples of Elizabethan buildings in a picturesque
setting. The river Avon runs through this pretty town and the marina harbours an array of
brightly coloured boats providing a holiday atmosphere to what has become the most popular
tourist attraction outside London.
Shakespeare's Birthplace
Shakespeare was born of middle class parentage and his home has been lovingly and
authentically restored. It provides an insight into life during the Elizabethan period. The actual
birth room has been recently refurbished revealing a less austere look.
The room is 'decorated' with some interesting graffiti of the many famous visitors. Robert
Browning and Walter Scott are just two of the literary giants that have scratched their names
into the walls, ceilings and windows of this room.
Ann Hathaway's House
At aged just 18, Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway who was many years older than him.
Ann lived in a house situated two miles from the centre of Stratford. It was occupied by the
Hathaway family up until 1892. Here you will be fascinated by an Elizabethan kitchen and
beautiful English country garden. There is a seat by the great fire place where Shakespeare is
said to have sat whilst courting Ann.
Hall's Croft
In 1607, Shakespeare's daughter Susanna, married local physician Dr John Hall. This
impressive Tudor building was named after him. Here you will find a collection of sixteenth and
seventeenth century paintings and furnishings typical of a middle class family. Also, there is a
collection of medical paraphernalia. Outside in the walled garden, you will find varieties of
herbs and trees used in medicines of the time.
Holy Trinity
Dating from the thirteenth century this is the final resting place of William Shakespeare.
Alongside him rest his wife and daughter Susanna. If you happen to be in Stratford on the
Sunday closest to St. George's day you will witness a grand possession of people, including
school children from Shakespeare's old school, coming to honour him and lay flowers at his
grave.
Harvard House
There are many other attractions to entice you to visit Stratford-Upon -Avon. Harvard House
may be of particular interest to American visitors. Amongst the interesting exhibits you will find
the walking stick of Thomas Davis the Southern leader in the Civil war. This house was the
home of John Harvard whose legacy is that of Harvard University.
The Royal Shakespeare Theatre
The Royal Shakespeare Theatre is the centre of activity for the royal Shakespeare Company
famous the world over. The theatre was designed specifically for the performance of
Shakespeare's plays. Set on the banks of the river Avon it is best viewed at night when floodlit.
Here you will find many artefacts from the theatre on view and a picture gallery of famous
Shakespearian thespians.
A visit to Stratford will take you to the heart of the area known as the Cotswolds renowned for
its rolling gentle hills and distinctive Cotswold stone buildings. Steeped in history and folklore,
dotted with quaint villages and churches, dry stone walls and village greens, this is England at
its finest. To quote the bard himself, 'I like this place and could willingly waste my time in it.'
by Ann Coveney
It was in 1196 that Stratford-upon-Avon was first granted the right to hold a market and
recognised as a town. Its name has become synonymous with its most famous son – William
Shakespeare who was born here in 1564.
The town remains mostly unspoilt with fine examples of Elizabethan buildings in a picturesque
setting. The river Avon runs through this pretty town and the marina harbours an array of
brightly coloured boats providing a holiday atmosphere to what has become the most popular
tourist attraction outside London.
Shakespeare's Birthplace
Shakespeare was born of middle class parentage and his home has been lovingly and
authentically restored. It provides an insight into life during the Elizabethan period. The actual
birth room has been recently refurbished revealing a less austere look.
The room is 'decorated' with some interesting graffiti of the many famous visitors. Robert
Browning and Walter Scott are just two of the literary giants that have scratched their names
into the walls, ceilings and windows of this room.
Ann Hathaway's House
At aged just 18, Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway who was many years older than him.
Ann lived in a house situated two miles from the centre of Stratford. It was occupied by the
Hathaway family up until 1892. Here you will be fascinated by an Elizabethan kitchen and
beautiful English country garden. There is a seat by the great fire place where Shakespeare is
said to have sat whilst courting Ann.
Hall's Croft
In 1607, Shakespeare's daughter Susanna, married local physician Dr John Hall. This
impressive Tudor building was named after him. Here you will find a collection of sixteenth and
seventeenth century paintings and furnishings typical of a middle class family. Also, there is a
collection of medical paraphernalia. Outside in the walled garden, you will find varieties of
herbs and trees used in medicines of the time.
Holy Trinity
Dating from the thirteenth century this is the final resting place of William Shakespeare.
Alongside him rest his wife and daughter Susanna. If you happen to be in Stratford on the
Sunday closest to St. George's day you will witness a grand possession of people, including
school children from Shakespeare's old school, coming to honour him and lay flowers at his
grave.
Harvard House
There are many other attractions to entice you to visit Stratford-Upon -Avon. Harvard House
may be of particular interest to American visitors. Amongst the interesting exhibits you will find
the walking stick of Thomas Davis the Southern leader in the Civil war. This house was the
home of John Harvard whose legacy is that of Harvard University.
The Royal Shakespeare Theatre
The Royal Shakespeare Theatre is the centre of activity for the royal Shakespeare Company
famous the world over. The theatre was designed specifically for the performance of
Shakespeare's plays. Set on the banks of the river Avon it is best viewed at night when floodlit.
Here you will find many artefacts from the theatre on view and a picture gallery of famous
Shakespearian thespians.
A visit to Stratford will take you to the heart of the area known as the Cotswolds renowned for
its rolling gentle hills and distinctive Cotswold stone buildings. Steeped in history and folklore,
dotted with quaint villages and churches, dry stone walls and village greens, this is England at
its finest. To quote the bard himself, 'I like this place and could willingly waste my time in it.'
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| Did you know............ that Washington Irving, the American author of "Rip Van Winkle", loved Stratford and the Red Horse, and stayed there at least twice around 1820. He almost certainly wrote most of "The Sketchbook of Geoffrey Crayon" during his stay there. A future US President, Martin van Buren, also stayed at this historic inn in 1831. |
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