I am FINALLY getting back to the blog to share the rest of our time in Stratford-upon-Avon from months ago!!  Better late than never, right?!

After our visit to Anne Hathaway's cottage, we made our way into town to visit the rest of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.  Well, not all of it, but what we could fit in a day and what was open for that time of year.  The two places we were able to see was Shakespeare's home and Hall's Croft. 

It seems quite a simple house, but for it's time in the 16th century, it was a substantial home.

Decorated beautifully in period furniture gives you a real feel of how this family lived.

A serenade.

Our last stop was Hall's Croft.  Home of Susanna Shakespeare and her husband, Dr John Hall.  A glimpse into the home of a wealthy physician.

In the garden, you can see plants and herbs used by Dr. Hall, along with this very old and beautiful tree.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a beautiful town to take a stroll and see the many old buildings and dedications to Shakespeare.


 

This is definitely a town worth seeing in England!

Even if you're, like me, not hugely knowledgeable on Shakespeare or a fan, there is much to enjoy in these homes and in town!

Have you visited Stratford-upon-Avon?

While Jerry's parents were here during Christmas, we took a little road trip to see the Cotswolds.

Just outside of Stratford-upon-Avon in Shottery, Warwickshire lies the breath-taking, childhood home of Anne Hathaway, the wife of William Shakespeare.


Through photos I had seen of this cottage, I fell in love with this place and was determined to see it!

The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust offers various ticket options to allow you to visit all or just a few of the Shakespeare's family houses and the tickets give you access for one year.  We'll definitely be going back to take advantage of that since we didn't get to see everything.

Seeing the grounds on a frosty morning added to the beauty of this place.



Thatched cottages are so appealing to me.  So quintessentially English and lovely and charming.  Anne's family cottage has been described as the most romantic in England.


The first parts of the house were build before the 15th century.

During Shakespeare's time, the house was named Newlands Farm and had more than 90 acres attached to it.


 The dining room.


Fresh bread served right by the table.


The kitchen is down the hall.


Many of the furnishings are from the family.

To keep critters and dirt from dropping on your head while you sleep, the beds have testers (canopy) over the bed.



Back then there were no ceilings.  It was open, exposing the straw.
Can you imagine insects, mouse droppings or straw falling on you in the night?!  Oh, the horror!!

This is known as Shakespeare's Courting Chair.


The grounds are just as lovely.





Next time I'll share with you some of the other homes we visited that are part of the trust.

Happy Weekend!