Stratford-Upon-Avon

Stratford-Upon-Avon

The birthplace of William Shakespeare

Stratford-Upon-Avon is a market town on the River Avon. Originally, its wealth derived from its market charter from King Richard I. However, today Stratford-Upon- Avon 27,000 residents share their quaint town with approximately 2.5 million visitors each year. They can thank William Shakespeare for the influx of tourism which has become a major source of income for Stratford. No visit would be complete without a dose of Shakespeare (although, the town and river side is beautiful in and of itself)!

Photo Credit: D.S.

I had previously been to Stratford-Upon-Avon, but didn't make it to visit any of the Shakespeare sites, other than just passing by the outside. The night before, friends and I had a little too much fun at the Birmingham German Christmas Market (it was so much fun!) that we only detoured on our way home for a recovery brunch and to just check out the town. So, throughout this blog, there will be some pictures taken previously and more recent pictures as I revisited the town to check off another literary bucket list spot!

William Shakespeare is revered as probably the greatest playwright of all time. He was born  26 April 1564 and died 23 April 1616. During his life, it is believe he wrote 38 plays, over 150 sonnets, and various other works. He married Anne Hathaway (26) at the age of 18 and had three children with her. His most known works were said to have been written between 1589 and 1613. His early works were comedies followed by tragedies, followed by tragicomedies.There has been speculation as to whether or not Shakespeare was the actual author of some works. Much is not known about his private life which may give rise to some of the speculation.

Shakespeare was an actor, writer, and part owner of play company called Lord Chamberlain's Men which was later changed to the King's Men. 1599 his company began construction on the Globe Theatre in London. It's believed he retired from acting several years before his death, but still continued to write.

He upon his death, he was buried in Stratford at the Holy Trinity Church. It is said that Shakespeare was superstitious and had a curse placed upon his grave of any that would try to move him. The first folio was put together by friends of Shakespeare to accurately record his works and completed in 1623.

Today, you can visit Shakespeare's childhood home, another home he purchased later in life, New Place, Anne Hathaway's childhood home, and couple other places. Also, the Royal Shakespeare Company is a major draw for anyone wanting to catch a play penned by Shakespeare. However, as mentioned earlier, the town itself is beautiful and worth just strolling and taking in the Tudor styled timber houses, walking along the River Avon.

Photo Credit D.S.

Photo Credit D.S.

Photo Credit D.S.

Photo Credit D.S.

Another new blog to check out: Cambridge

Oxburgh Hall

Oxburgh Hall

Oxburgh Hall has been in the Bedingfield family since 1482. The manor is a moated country home that despite appearances, was never used for fortification purposes, only to promote the power, prestige, and wealth of the family. However, all those things can be fleeting. During King Henry VIII's reign, he converted Great Britain to Protestant and formed the Church of England which created some difficulties for the Bedingfield family and their devout Catholic faith. 

Later, after many changes to the throne, the exile of the Stuart dynasty, and many fluctuations in  the family's prosperity, the Bedingfields faced great sufferings. Catholicism was not illegal, but Catholics were now scrutinized and restrictions placed on them. Catholics were not allowed to educate their children, were restricted from venturing further than 5 miles from their home, and many others. These restrictions created problems for the Bedingfield family. In order to pay taxes, dues, and other expenses, they needed to travel to London; however, they lived further than 5 miles, closer to 75 miles! Large debts arose that basically crippled the Bedingfields. It was also treason to house a Catholic priest. Oxburgh Hall has a "priest hole" in which a Catholic priest may have needed to be hid. It is open to visitors. 

Oxburgh Hall has also seen greatness and has been visited and helped by many of the Royal Families over the years. King Henry VII (King Henry VIII father), his wife, Queen Elizabeth of York stayed at Oxburgh Hall. One Bedingfield made an advantageous marriage that brought what is now called the Oxburgh Hangings. Needlework done by Mary, Queen of Scots and Bess Hardwick while at Chatsworth. Sir Henry was a supporter of Queen Mary I, escorted her to Framlingham Castle, and received a place in Mary's Privy Council.

Overall, Oxburgh Hall is a beautiful property with lots of history. The rooms were spectacular and the grounds even more so (it also helped that it was sunny and 75)! I especially love the Victorian style chimneys!