“The Countess” in one of her many luxurious trips up and down the River Avon today, Tuesday 9th August 2022 (Author’s Collection).
Part 4 of my long, lazy and beautiful day in the sunshine of Stratford-upon-Avon is also the first volume (of 3) of my ridiculously titled “Deleted Scenes”. To have one article alone of so called deleted scenes would seem reckless enough but as I had such a magical day in Shakespeare’s sunshine there will be a grand total of 9 separate articles and 3 of these will be of images that didn’t quite make the cut. Now this is not to say that the following images are defective or of little narrative use. These are simply minor duplicates of images already used or from a slightly different angle or simply images capturing the same portion of the canal/river/church or bustling streets of Stratford already showcased more fully in the main articles. Furthermore, these images are of a day I’ll treasure for a long time to come and frankly they’re too good to sit in a folder on a laptop being unloved.
I walked the canal/river loop around the streets of Shakespeare’s Stratford twice on a glorious day and this first volume of hence far unseen material covers the initial welcome and introduction to Stratford as well as a peak at the canal, both the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) building and “The Other Place” as well as a taster for the brilliant images captured of a joyous humanity enjoying the delights of the River Avon.
There are over 30 images and I sincerely hope you enjoy this pictorial stroll in the English sunshine.
*All images captured by me on Tuesday 9th August 2022*
Welcome to Stratford-upon-Avon!
Omitted this from my original articles as the sunshine and foliage ruins the image but……you may find the additional information surrounding the walk(s) useful and interesting.
View from the footbridge leading to the main canal “basin” and here is ostensibly the central marina that feeds into the River Avon.
“Cox’s Yard” lies in between the canal to your left and the river marina to your right and past the small nature reserve seen here in amongst the trees on your immediate right.
This commemorative human sundial made of stone can be found on the approach to the “River Lock” that separates and connects the canal and the river. Later in the day I had the pleasure of listening to a very accomplished saxophonist entering a gathering crowd here. Pictures available within the “main” articles.
View through Lock Number 56 or “River Lock” and the gateway to the River Avon as well as the Recreation Ground that covers the entirety of the long riverbank.
(1) View across the moorings inside the canal “basin” that forms a beautiful centrepiece of the town.
(2) View across the moorings inside the canal “basin” that forms a beautiful centrepiece of the town.
Wider view captured from Canal Bridge Number 69 or “Bridgefoot”.
(1) Three images from the “Statue of Hermaphroditus”.
(2) Three images from the “Statue of Hermaphroditus”.
(3) Three images from the “Statue of Hermaphroditus”.
The RSC building or Royal Shakespeare Company, advertising a coming showing of Richard III.
Swans, geese and ducks as well as a first glimpse of the Holy Trinity Church further along the beautiful River Avon.
A return view encompassing the footbridge that crosses the river and into central Stratford or the beautiful building that houses the town’s rowing club and the “Big Wheel” at the entrance to the Recreation Ground.
A particular favourite image captured this afternoon and your view from the sun terrace/restaurant of the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) building.
“The Other Place”, a 200 seat theatre and ostensible cousin or sister site to the RSC a few hundred yards away.
(1) Three sun glared/spoilt images of the outside to the magnificent Holy Trinity Church in Stratford. I rather like these all as they’re accidentally imperfect but also rather beautiful. Kind of.
(2) Three sun glared/spoilt images of the outside to the magnificent Holy Trinity Church in Stratford. I rather like these all as they’re accidentally imperfect but also rather beautiful. Kind of.
(3) Three sun glared/spoilt images of the outside to the magnificent Holy Trinity Church in Stratford. I rather like these all as they’re accidentally imperfect but also rather beautiful. Kind of.
A wide view of the entirety of the burial chamber and final resting place of The Bard, William Shakespeare.
Commemoration plaques in the burial chamber next to William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway (L to R) Thomas Nash, John Hall and Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway’s oldest daughter Susannah.
Far end of the commonly known Holy Trinity Church which is also known as The Collegiate Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity or very simply “Shakespeare’s Church”.
(1) Two final clear blue skied images of The Collegiate Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity.
(2) Two final clear blue skied images of The Collegiate Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity.
(1) Returning to the river side and a stroll back toward the canal before sweeping back across the footbridge for a return walk along the Recreation Ground side of the river.
(2) Returning to the river side and a stroll back toward the canal before sweeping back across the footbridge for a return walk along the Recreation Ground side of the river.
Yet another favourite image captured on a beautiful afternoon in the sunshine.
As you’ll see below, the swans are in charge!
“Please do not feed the geese”. The swans have marked their territory!
Your humble narrator and a “Flying Pig” (please keep the jokes to yourself!), end of July 2022.
Thanks for reading. If you enjoyed this edition then please do return when the further and overly indulgent number of articles follow!
It was a precious day to me and of making memories that I’ll cherish for a long time to come.
Part 2 of my ridiculously titled “Deleted Scenes” focuses on the continuation of the walk beside the river before a return to the central canal and the beginning of the winding streets bathed in the mythos of Shakespeare before Part 3 concludes with more from the streets of Stratford-upon-Avon and a final end of day farewell to the river and canal.
In the meantime, please see these links to my three most recently published articles from my Summer travel series so far:
