Stratford-upon-Avon
 Stratford-upon-Avon,
the oldest market town in Warwickshire, really needs no introduction.
William Shakespeare, the greatest dramatic genius of the English-speaking
peoples, was born and died here. His birthplace, and other
buildings associated with his family, are preserved by the
Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
The Avon, a river navigable until the end of the 18th century,
is Stratford's greatest natural asset, Spanning the river
with fourteen arches is the superb 15th century bridge whilst
in a commanding position on the north bank is the 20th century
Royal Shakespeare Theatre, built and endowed by Shakespeare
lovers from all over the world, particularly Americans.
Although the town has suffered, like many other historic
centres, from unregulated building in the last century, there
are still many marvellous examples of Tudor houses, many of
them timbered or half-timbered. Among these is Shakespeare's
Birthplace in Henley Street in which he also spent his early
years. In Shakespeare's time it consisted of two separate
parts, the family home and an adjoining shop. The property
has undergone careful restoration but its essential features
remain unchanged.
The layout and names of Stratford's streets have altered
little during the last 400 years. High Street, the main shopping
street, and its continuation, Chapel Street, are notable for
their wealth of half-timbered buildings. A fine example of
these is Harvard House, the home of Katherine Rogers, the
mother of John Harvard who founded Harvard University in the
USA.
One mile to the west of Stratford at Shottery is Anne Hathaway's
cottage, the home of Shakespeare's wife before she married.
It is a building of outstanding architectural and picturesque
appeal which remained in the Hathaway family's possession
until 1892 when it was acquired by the Shakespeare Birthplace
Trust.
Another historic house now owned by the Birthplace Trust
is Mary Arden's House at Wilmcote. This was the home of Shakespeare's
mother and in many ways is the most fascinating house of them
all. It is built of close-timbered oak beams from the nearby
Forest of Arden and of stone quarried in Wilmcote itself.
Visitors to Stratford may find it difficult to park and they
are strongly advised to head for the two-storied car park
near the river, near the main road bridge. The Information
Centre is only 50 yards from the car park and it is from there
that the tour buses start.
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