Warwickshire

Welcome to the County of Warwickshire. Take a day out and explore the town of Royal Leamington Spa with it's Georgian and Regency houses, art gallery and museum.

Alternatively you might like to visit two of the UK's leading tourist attractions, Warwick Castle and Stratford upon Avon the birthplace of Shakespeare. Warwick Castle is the most visited stately home in the UK and is an impressive and majestic structure dating back to the 14th century.

Warwick gets it's name from the old English word 'wering' which means river dam. Early records from the eleventh century name it as 'waerinc wicum' meaning river dam dwellings. Situated on the river Avon it is easy to understand how it acquired it's name.

For more photographs of Warwickshire click here

Ann Hathaway's Cottage

Anne Hathaway's Cottage is probably one of the best known buildings in the world. Situated just a short distance away from the town centre it is idyllic and dates back to the 15th century. Set in beautiful surroundings with a magnificent garden, the picturesque cottage is where William Shakespeare came to visit his bride.

At the age of 18, William married Anne Hathaway and the couple produced twins some six months later. Although William lived and worked for most of his time in the capital, he did frequently visit Stratford where Anne Hathaway and his two daughters, Hamnet and Judith continued to live.

The family moved to a new residence at New Place and this is where William retired to in 1614. His death occurred just two years afterwards in 1616. Anne Hathaway died in 1623. The property at New Place was demolished by the local vicar some years later.

Mary Arden's House

Mary Arden's House is the birthplace of William Shakespeare's mother. She was born here around 1535 when the house would have been about 20 years old. The property has been extensively restored and would have looked quite different from how it is seen today.

Visitors can see how the house has changed through the ages and the tour includes the living room, the dairy, the parlour, the larder and a scullery. The upstairs rooms are empty but analysis of the timbers dates them around 1514.

The outbuildings display horse drawn carts and fully equipped stables. Exhibits in the outbuildings provide a fascinating insight into country life. We visited Mary Arden's House on 'Apple Day' and if you click on the link in the right hand column you can see the traditional costumes and trades that would have been associated with country villages all over the UK until the advent of more modern farming methods.

Stratford upon Avon

Stratford is a major UK tourist destination. The birthplace of William Shakespeare, the world's greatest playwright, it nestles alongside the beautiful river Avon. The town certainly benefits from its famous prodigy. There is plenty to do and see in Stratford upon Avon. Visitors from all over the UK and abroad can be found wandering the historic streets of this unique town.

There has been a settlement at Stratford upon Avon since the Bronze Age. The Domesday book shows Stratford as a manor rather than a village. It belonged to the Bishop of Worcester. Developing into a thriving market town the area prospered. Although William Shakespeare was born, and also died in Stratford, he spent most of his time in London. However, he never turned his back on Stratford and made several investments in property in the town.

As you would expect, Stratford is famous for its theatres. There are actually three in Stratford. Many famous actors have started their careers here. Even if Shakespeare is not the reason for your visit, this beautiful town will inspire you. The town is popular with motorcyclists and street vendors always provide an element of interest to the visitor. The restaurants are excellent and the hotels and guest houses in the area are well used to receiving visitors and catering for their needs.

Fore more photographs of Stratford upon Avon click here or view on You Tube



 

William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare was born in Stratford upon Avon in 1564. The world's greatest playwright started his humble beginnings here and was probably inspired by the surroundings to which he was accustomed. William's early life in Stratford was not without its problems. William used to poach rabbits and steal from the orchards of wealthy landowners.

William Shakespeare was by no means poor. His father, John Shakespeare was a leading government official in the town. He was also a merchant for local farmers. It was due to his fathers fortunate position that William Shakespeare attended Grammar School, studying for a period of six years, learning latin and preparing the way for his poetry and career as a playwright.

William was only 18 years of age when he married Anne Hathaway. Only six months later in 1585 Anne produced twins. That very same year William left Stratford and his family. William's departure is said to have been caused by a charge of deer poaching brought against him by a wealthy landowner.

Reaching London, William Shakespeare worked at one of the most prestigious theatres in the capital. Working his way up the ranks it was not long before his talent was spotted by the Earl of Leicester's company of actors, known for their performances at the leading theatres in the London.

The rest of the William Shakespeare story is written firmly in the annals of history. He became a wealthy man, returning to Stratford in 1614 to retire due to his declining health. He died in 1616.