The birthplace of William Shakespeare, Tuesday 9th August 2022 (Author’s Collection).
Welcome back to “Shakespeare Country” and finally, after six previous articles (two of which were full of deleted scenes!) we finally reach the centrepiece of my visit (but not my overriding factor — see my previous six articles) the birthplace of William Shakespeare and the tight winding streets dedicated to the literary and historical legend. After a very brief sojourn to the canal side and a very impressive amateur saxophonist entertaining a growing crowd, we finally walk the streets to and from The Bard’s birthplace before concluding this particular hour in the Stratford sunshine at the beautiful Guild Chapel and, as you’ll see shortly, at precisely 3.05pm!
These articles continue to be an indulgence and, should you be following along firstly thank you, and as ever, I hope you enjoy the ride.
*All images captured by me on Tuesday 9th August 2022*
This hour of the entire day commences from the huge public park and officially known Recreation Ground and its accompanying “Big Wheel”.
One of the very few images captured from the side of the incredibly busy marina.
One final sun soaked close up of the “Big Wheel” that greets you immediately you enter the Recreation Ground.
A final view from the footbridge and the beautiful marina at Stratford.
And a final view of the entirety of the river as it flows out of Stratford and the Royal Shakespeare (RSC) building partly hidden by the trees.
An amateur saxophonist entertains a growing crowd with both old and contemporary hits all whilst standing on a stone carved sundial on the edge of the River Avon — Part 1
An amateur saxophonist entertains a growing crowd with both old and contemporary hits all whilst standing on a stone carved sundial on the edge of the River Avon — Part 2
“Messing about on the river”.
A final sun kissed image from the river with the spire of the Holy Trinity Church in the far distance.
The “Jennifer May” (and other cruisers like her) were incredibly busy all day long. Here she is awaiting departure from the “River Lock” that separates the canal from the river.
For a change, the pleasure boaters and canoeists outnumber the swans!
We bid a fond farewell to the River Avon and a quite beautiful farewell it is too.
“The Swan Water Fountain”.
A final wide shot of the RSC or Royal Shakespeare Company building.
(1) Two perfect images with which to bid farewell to the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal.
(2) Two perfect images with which to bid farewell to the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal.
The statue of The Bard that dominates this busy thoroughfare. Over Shakespeare’s left shoulder is the home of his birth.
A quite brilliant and enthusiastic street actor entertaining his Shakespearian company.
The Jester statue from the play “As You Like It”. Inscribed on the front is the exclamation “O noble fool! A worthy fool!”
Two (tourist free) shots of the birthplace of William Shakespeare — Part 1
Two (tourist free) shots of the birthplace of William Shakespeare — Part 2
A final close up view of the statue of The Bard.
(1) Two magnificent views of the “Shakespeare Memorial Fountain”.
(2) Two magnificent views of the “Shakespeare Memorial Fountain”.
Anyone know where the Town Hall is?
The ancient is blended with the modern of commerce with many period buildings now home to eateries, coffee houses, restaurants and hotels.
To your left is the Mercure branded “The Shakespeare Hotel” and straight ahead is the beautiful ending point for this article, the Guild Chapel.
First, a rather pleasingly named bookshop and the bells striking 3pm.
A return view of the current street and “The Shakespeare Hotel” to your right.
A teaser (in every sense) for the Guild Chapel after the bells had stopped chiming.
A final and longer view of the entire street leading to The Guild Chapel.
At 3.05pm precisely, The Guild Chapel. Founded in the year 1269.
Your humble narrator (in obligatory Radiohead t-shirt) in Ironbridge yet again, 12th August 2022 (Author’s Collection).
Thanks for reading. If you enjoyed this edition then please do return when the final two articles are released or please see my “UK Travel” archives.
In the meantime, please see these links to my three most recently published articles from my Summer travel series so far:
