ABOUT THE SHAKESPEARE BIRTHPLACE TRUST

The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust (“ the Trust”, registered charity No: 209302) is an independent charity that owns and cares for the five historic Shakespeare houses in or near Stratford-upon-Avon. The Trust, through The Shakespeare Centre arranges international cultural and educational activities, including but not limited to courses for students and symposiums for scholars.

The historic houses in the care of the Trust are museums, open to the public:

Shakespeare’s Birthplace is the 16th century home of John Shakespeare and his wife Anne Hathaway and where William Shakespeare was born in 1564. John Shakespeare conducted his business as a glove maker and wool dealer in this house.

Anne Hathaway’s Cottage in the village of Shottery, Warwickshire is the farmhouse where Anne Hathaway, the wife of William Shakespeare lived as a child. The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust acquired it in 1892.

Hall’s Croft was the home of William Shakespeare’s eldest daughter Susanna and her husband, Dr John Hall.

Mary Arden’s Farm is where William Shakespeare’s mother lived as a child.

Nash’s House and New Place, acquired by The Trust in 1891 was William Shakespeare’s last home in Stratford and where he died in 1616. Upon his death the house passed on to his daughter Susanna Hall and then on to his granddaughter, Elizabeth Hall whose husband Thomas Nash owned the adjacent house, The New Place.

Shakespeare’s Great Garden at New Place, adjacent to the New Place is open to the public year- round and has nine permanently placed bronze monuments by Greg Wyatt, inspired by William Shakespeare’s plays.

The Shakespeare Centre is the administrative headquarters of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and a library, research and study center. The Shakespeare Centre Library’s collection includes printed books, archival manuscripts, facsimilies of the folios and quartos as well as memorabilia and objects relating to Shakespeare’s times, life and works. The Library also has books on local history as well as an extensive collection of prints, drawings and photographs of Stratford and Warwickshire. In addition, the Royal Shakespeare Company’s sound and video recording productions are available for viewing by appointment.

It is within the walls of the Shakespeare Centre Library that the students devote their time and energies in researching their area of study.