The “Living Statue” and brilliant street actor who made my son’s morning and was so gracious to provide a picture which I won’t be sharing here but which I’ll keep private and close to my heart for a long time to come. With our morning “made”, we had a ball of an afternoon together in Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon, 15th September 2022 (Author’s Collection).
Roughly six or so English summer weeks ago I ventured to beautiful Stratford on the banks of the River Avon for the first time in nearly two decades. My visit left such an impression on me that I turned it into an indulgent nine part mini series (including three articles of “deleted scenes” alone!) and I vowed to return as soon as I possibly could and today was indeed that day. Whereas my initial meander through the streets of Shakespeare’s Stratford and the beautiful walk beside both the canal and river Avon was a day long luxury in the sunshine, today was with my own sunshine if you will, and an extra birthday treat for both son and father alike. That said, the “treat” extended to a stress free train journey whereby he beat me (as he always does!) at the simple game of “Uno” before I taught him two quintessentially English card games as we relaxed away the journey time of a quite brilliant day that exceeded expectations and one in which I couldn’t have been more prouder of my son and his accomplishment today.
A day of “making memories” indeed, and quite a brilliant one too.
*All images captured by me on Thursday 15th September 2022*
Yes we have a “Uno” scorebook and yes a fellow passenger said of our home cooked bacon sandwiches “They smell gorgeous mate!”. The day was off to a roaring start!
A rather strangely beautiful view from the Shakespeare Memorial Fountain and Clock Tower.
A rather more orthodox view of the Shakespeare Memorial Fountain and Clock Tower.
“O noble fool! A worthy fool!” (from the Shakespeare play “As You Like It”).
The birthplace of William Shakespeare and one of the very rare occasions when there wasn’t a tourist in sight!
The Bard and his Birthplace.
A wider angle view of the street artist who treated my son like a King.
The Guild Chapel — “Standing on the corner of Church Street and Chapel Lane, the Guild Chapel is one of Stratford-upon-Avon’s most iconic and important historic buildings. Its rich history dates back to the 13th Century when it was built by the Guild of the Holy Cross, a prominent social and religious organisation. As the Guild grew and prospered, so did its chapel, becoming central to medieval life in Stratford-upon-Avon. Today, almost half a millennia later, the Chapel’s rare and special wall paintings offer a unique glimpse back to that medieval past. What’s been (and continues to be) uncovered is one of the rarest series of medieval wall paintings in Europe”.
With the “Big Wheel” or “Ferris Wheel” to your left, here in the foreground is one of the last remaining and working “Chain Ferries” in England. After looping around the canal, river and Recreation Ground in which the Big Wheel sits, we end our stroll with a return journey via this very old relic to a distant past.
I have no idea why The Bard’s grave had to be closed in mourning of the death of the Queen, but there we go.
The chancel of the Holy Trinity Church with lighted candles in remembrance of the Queen. Shakespeare’s grave is through the wooden doors and to the left.
The magnificent stained glass window immediately on your entrance to the church.
A wider view of the entirety of the church and the commemoration screens to the Queen.
Stratford has a plentiful supply of swans. Here they are in close up!
The River Avon as it winds its way alongside the Recreation Ground toward the footbridge connecting the town and through to the magnificent Marina. A detailed image from the footbridge of the Marina can be found toward the end of this article.
When I visited in early August I tried and failed to capture the silver swan fountain and the RSC (Royal Shakespeare Company) building together. I succeeded this time. Kind of.
With the weather brightening as the day lengthens, this is the very epitome of this beautiful canal and river side town.
Two moody lighted views of the canal “basin” in Stratford-upon-Avon, Part 1.
Two moody lighted views of the canal “basin” in Stratford-upon-Avon, Part 2.
Larking around with Prince Hal at the “Gower Memorial” to key figures in the plays of William Shakespeare.
The “Gower Memorial” and the backs of Lady MacBeth (left) and Hamlet (right).
Larking around and trying to look intellectual (and failing!) next to Falstaff.
A return view across the entirety of the canal “basin”.
River Cruiser “Jennifer May” negotiating the “River Lock” that separates the canal from the River Avon.
A stone carved human sundial and Stratford’s “Big Wheel”. In the early sunshine of August this was the setting for an amateur saxophonist and a growing crowd of appreciative admirers.
The “Big Wheel” towering over the beautiful Stratford Rowing Club.
As promised, the beautiful Marina.
A final image from the footbridge separating the town and the Recreation Ground, capturing the river Avon flowing through the town and the RSC (Royal Shakespeare Company) building that dominates the skyline.
A close up of the “Big Wheel”.
And in deference to my beautiful son, a fuller view of the “Ferris Wheel”.
With the spire of the Holy Trinity Church coming into view, this is a rather beautiful riverside walk.
A favourite image from a beautiful day.
The resident swans obviously know what a fantastic spot this is for visiting tourists with cameras!
A final mid-river view from the town’s working “Chain Ferry”.
A final mid-river view from the “Chain Ferry” and a thank you, once again, to Stratford-upon-Avon.
Your humble narrator today and during a beautiful day of “making memories” (Author’s Collection).
Thanks for reading. My “Summer Project” has taken me to the waterways as well as many local historical and religious ruins as I’ve crisscrossed the border between England and Wales, and my three most recently published travel articles are linked below:
