How to Explore Shakespeare’s England

Shakespeare is widely acknowledged to be the greatest playwright ever to lift a pen. He lived in England during the historical period now known as Elizabethan times; he was born in 1564 and died in 1616. England back in those days was a poverty-ridden country with a population of only around 3 million.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Plan a holiday in Stratford-upon-Avon where Shakespeare was born and died. If you wish to explore Shakespeare’s England, then this picturesque small market town in South Warwickshire is the best place to begin.
2. Visit Shakespeare's birthplace. This half-timbered house is perhaps the most significant site linked to the playwright. He and his descendants lived in the house until the nineteenth century. The house is open daily, with a tour taking in an exhibition of his life. Contact the Henley Street location on [phone].
3. See New Place. This was Shakespeare’s retirement home until his death in 1616. While the house has been demolished, the foundations and grounds can still be seen, and the entrance through the adjoining Nash's House contains beautiful furnishings of Shakespeare's period. Contact the Chapel street site by calling [phone].
4. Visit Anne Hathaway's Cottage. This is the most beautiful of the Shakespearian properties, and was the house that Anne Hathaway lived in before her marriage to Shakespeare in 1582. Find out opening hours by calling [phone].
5. Spend time in Mary Arden's House. This was the house that Shakespeare’s mother grew up in, and is now home the Shakespeare countryside museum, an impressive farm display, as well as a traditional blacksmith's forge.
6. Visit Shakespeare’s special grave at Holy Trinity Church.
7. Visit London. Shakespeare moved there sometime between 1585 and 1592, and it was in London that he became successful as an actor and writer. It is thought he retired back to Stratford-Upon-Avon sometime around 1613.
8. Visit the Globe Theatre that helped launch Shakespeare’s career, and has become synonymous with his name. The site of the original Globe Theatre can be seen anytime from around Anchor Terrace. The Theatre was however reconstructed and can now be found at New Globe Walk, Bankside, London SE1. Home to a fine exhibition of Shakespeare’s time there, it is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during winter, and 9 a.m. until noon while shows are running.
9. See Middle Temple Hall. It was here on Middle Temple Lane that in 1602 the first recorded performance of “Twelfth Night” took place, with Shakespeare perhaps acting in his own play. It is open from Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
10. Drink in “The George”. This pub and restaurant, located at 77 Borough High Street near Tower Bridge, is thought to have been a regular haunt of Shakespeare. He is known to have had lodgings nearby.

Tips & Warnings

• Wheelchair access, particularly to the original buildings mentioned, is very difficult. Phone in advance to find out about disabled access.
• To add some colour to your exploring, read “The England of William Shakespeare” by Michael Justin Davis, published in 1987. It is known as one of the best portrayals of Shakespeare’s England.

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