| Stratford-upon-Avon |
| 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.
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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