Stratford-upon-Avon lies at the very
heart of England. It attracts people not only by its history and connection
with William Shakespeare, but also by its wonderful nature and typical English
character.
Stratford stands on the river Avon
and is one of the oldest market towns. It has still preserved its own character
and atmosphere, as you will not see modern buildings there. The houses
are small and lot of them are very old. Some of them date back to Shakespeare’s
time. Here you can visit Shakespeare’s birthplace (it is a museum now), Anna
Hathaway’s cottage (the early home of Shakespeare’s wife), the foundations of
the New Place, where Shakespeare lived when he retired and died in 1616 (now
there is only a wonderful garden on the place of the house). Just round the
corner there is Grammar school that Shakespeare used to attend.
Here in Stratford there is Holy
Trinity Church where William Shakespeare was buries. Thousands of people
from all parts of England and foreign visitors come here on Shakespeare’s
birthday (23rd April) to pay tribute to the great poet. Among other sights
connected with the name of Shakespeare there is an interesting monument with
the statue of the great poet on top and with characters from his plays round
it.
And, of course, you should visit the
Royal Shakespeare Theatre, a red-brick building standing on the banks of the
Avon. It was opened on 1932 as a living memorial to the poet’s work.
The Royal Shakespeare Company, which
is one of the best known and largest theatre companies in the world, regularly
performs here and in the Barbican Centre in London.