Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, a charming market town in Warwickshire, England. It sits about 100 miles northwest of London, right along the River Avon. A lovely spot that's well worth visiting.
The Birthplace
Shakespeare's birthplace still stands today. It's a half-timbered house on Henley Street that's now a museum. Hundreds of thousands of visitors come each year to see where the playwright was born and raised.
The house dates back to the early 1500s. Shakespeare's father John purchased it in two stages – 1556 and 1575. He operated his glove-making business from the front while the family lived in the back, a common arrangement at the time.
Stratford in the 1560s
When Shakespeare was born in 1564, Stratford was a thriving market town of roughly 1,500 residents. The local economy centered on wool and leather trades, with the River Avon serving as a vital route for transporting goods.
Notable Sites in Stratford
- Shakespeare's Birthplace – The Henley Street house where his story began
- Holy Trinity Church – Where Shakespeare was both baptized and buried
- King's New School – Where he likely received his education
- New Place – The grand house Shakespeare purchased with his success (unfortunately demolished in 1759)
- Anne Hathaway's Cottage – His wife's childhood home in nearby Shottery
A Close Call
Here's a striking detail – just two months after Shakespeare's birth, the bubonic plague swept through Stratford and claimed roughly 200 lives, about one-seventh of the town's population. The infant William survived. History might have looked very different otherwise.
Stratford Today
Modern Stratford-upon-Avon has become a destination for Shakespeare enthusiasts worldwide. The Royal Shakespeare Company operates three theaters there, staging acclaimed productions of his plays.
If you have the opportunity to visit England, Stratford-upon-Avon deserves a spot on your itinerary. The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust maintains five historic properties connected to Shakespeare and his family, offering educational programs and preserving these sites for future generations. It's a meaningful experience for anyone interested in literary history.