Stratford-upon-Avon — Warwickshire Is Perhaps Known Best As The Home Of William Shakespeare

Stratford – upon-Avon in the district of Stratford-on-Avon lies on the banks of the River Avon in the south-central section of England. This town is most famous for being the place where William Shakespeare was born. A little fusion confusion stems from the name of the town. It is often confused with the name of the district which is differentiated by the word of on rather than the word upon. The basic difference is that the home sits upon the banks of the River Avon, while the district which has a larger area is along the sides of the river. While locals refer to the town has simply Stratford this can be further confused with a town near London of the same name.

Stratford or Stratford-upon-Avon is a major tourist city in great part as a result of its native son. There is an estimated 3 million visitors a year to the city. Consequently, tourism is a major part of the industry within the city. The remaining economy is focused around manufacturing of mechanical and electrical engineering, bicycles and boat building. The new technological age also has a major effect on the economy.

The origins of the cities surround that of a market town. This name derived from a Roman road that ran along the border of the river Avon, where the town now exists and originaly meant street on the ford. What was once a humble market town is now a major tourist town thanks to Shakespeare and the theater? The theater has had a major influence in the history of Stratford for centuries.

The first theater built in the city was a wooden structure erected in 1769 by David Garrick. Garrick was an actor, playwright and theater manager and producer who had a great effect on all aspects of theater throughout the 1700s. Garrick is probably most famous for his appearance as Richard the third in Shakespeare’s play by the same name. Garrick earned a great name a result of his contribution to the theater and was provided with a lavish public funeral upon his death. It was conducted at Westminster. ’s Abbey and Garrick is buried in Poets Corner.

The simple wooden structure built by Garrett stood in close proximity to where the Royal Shakespeare Theatre now sits. The nucleus of the tourist industry is obviously Shakespearean theater. Many theaters have been dedicated to Shakespeare. The first one to be dedicated to his memory here was done so on the 300th anniversary of his birthday in’64. This was also a simple wooden structure. The first permanent theater to be built in town that was dedicated to his memory was done so in’79. When this theater opened its doors it was greeted with huge success.

In’26 the original theater was burned down after having operated for over 50 years and was replaced six years later in’32. The shell of the original Memorial Theater is now contained within the walls of the Swan Theater that was built in the’80s. The Swan Theater is considered one of the finest in all of England.

Also within the city limits are 5 homes that Shakespeare lived in at one point in his life. The most popular of these is the Anne Hathaway Cottage. The Nash house and Hall’s Croft are both also popular with tourists. The holy Trinity Church was also significant part of his life. It was here that he was baptized and buried. Of all the non-Shakespearean tourist attractions one of the most popular is the Stratford butterfly farm.

Find your next Stratford-upon-Avon hotel here.

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