Shakespeare’s Birthplace is situated in Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England. It is a special place and it is believed that William Shakespeare was born here in 1564 and where he spent his childhood. Shakespeare’s Birthplace is a refurbished 16th century half-timbered house. It is a very popular visitor attraction and now a museum open to the public, owned and managed by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. It is a must see for all lovers of British literature.
Apparently built in the 15th to 16th century the house would have been considered a sizeable extensive home, today it is considered a relatively simple dwelling. The building is of simple architecture, constructed in daub and wattle around the wood frame and typical of the times it was built in. William Shakespeare’s father John Shakespeare was a wool dealer and glove maker so the house was originally divided into two parts so he could carry out his business.
The house fell into disrepair once the family line came to an end until a renewing interest in the 18th century. An American showed interest in buying the residence in 1846 and proposed to have it shipped to the US brick by brick so in response to this the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust was set up with help from Charles Dickens, they raised the necessary £3,000 and bought it the following year. Once acquired the restoration was able to proceed.
Welcoming visitors for over 250 years, today the building reflects family life as it would have been at the time of Shakespeare with period furnishings. Also the garden at the back of the house is planted with flowers known at the time of Shakespeare.
Among those who have visited Shakespeare’s Birthplace are Charles Dickens, Sir Walter Scott, Isaac Watts, Thomas Hardy, John Keats and William Thackeray.
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