Saturday 23rd April marks 400 years since the death of William Shakespeare. In his home town of Stratford upon Avon it will also mark the end of a week’s worth of celebrations and mini-parades honouring the bard’s life and contribution to literature. If, however, you’re not too fussed about exploring the world of Shakespeare, why not head to one of these historic homes instead?
What is Shakespeare Day?
National Shakespeare Day is the day the world celebrates the life of William Shakespeare. Held on April 23rd, it’s the same date as St George’s Day. The British Shakespeare Company are campaigning to have the Government make Shakespeare Day an official Bank Holiday.
Shakespeare Facts
He’s one of the most famous people to have ever lived, but there are a number of Shakespeare facts that you may not be aware of:
- His work has been translated into numerous languages including Klingon.
- ‘William Shakespeare’ is an anagram of ‘I am a weakish speller’.
- A relative of his mother, William Arden, was arrested and executed for plotting against Queen Elizabeth I.
- Not only a writer, Shakespeare also acted in a number of his own plays. He performed in front of Elizabeth I and James I.
- Upon his death, Shakespeare left everything to his daughter Susanna except his second best bed which he left to Anne.
Now you know a little more about him, let’s look at some places to celebrate Shakespeare Day.
Stratford upon Avon
Where else to start but in Stratford upon Avon? This is definitely the place to be this Shakespeare Day. Why not visit the house where he was born, Anne Hathaway’s cottage, or Hall’s Croft? Anne Hathaway’s cottage is certainly the most picturesque of the 3 and boasts a beautiful garden. Despite being called a cottage, the building is actually a 12 roomed farmhouse.
Alternatively, make your way to Holy Trinity Church and visit his grave near the altar. Holy Trinity is also the same church where Shakespeare was baptised in 1564. After his death, he was buried here on April 25th 1616.
Photo by: PHB.cz/Fotolia
If you’re feeling in need of a drink or a bite to eat, The Dirty Duck on the banks of the Avon is a great place to stop for lunch.
Besides the actual birthday parade, you’ll be able to enjoy a day of free events and entertainment throughout the centre of Stratford. From live music and cultural dances, to street theatre and acting workshops, there’s plenty of activities for the whole family to choose from.
Some of the festival highlights include the Orchestra of the Swan performing at Stratford Arts House on the Thursday, a Sonnet Marathon, and a walking tour that covers all things Shakespeare.
The Sonnet Marathon is perhaps the most exciting event planned. It will see New York rapper Devon Glover attempt to rap all 154 of Shakespeare’s sonnets alongside local school children.
You can find more information on what Stratford has planned here.
If you fancy a break from Shakespeare, head over to the Harvard House. Originally known as ‘the Ancient House’, this beautifully preserved Elizabethan home was built in 1596 by wealthy businessman Thomas Rogers. Interestingly, Thomas Roger’s grandson was the main benefactor of Harvard University.
The Grade I listed building gives a real insight into how the rich lived in the 16th century and boasts an elaborately carved façade which alone is worth the visit.
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
Opened in 1997 as a modern reconstruction of the original Globe Theatre, this is another wonderful place to visit on Shakespeare Day. The original building was built in 1599, destroyed by fire in 1613 and rebuilt in 1614, before being demolished completely in 1644.
The modern structure is as authentic to the original as possible with no steel being used. Its layout and acoustics make for a truly unique place to watch his plays although a tour is just as fascinating. The tour and exhibition is open from 9am -5pm (from 9:30am for tours) whilst the Sonnet Walks run from 2:30pm to 5pm. Take a tour through Shakespeare’s London which is bought alive by actors quoting his most famous works.
Photo by: Andrei Nekrassov/Fotolia
This year, there will be even more performances laid on for Shakespeare Day. The Complete Walk is the pick of the bunch and will see the banks of the Thames between Westminster and Tower Bridge host a number of short films honouring Shakespeare.
The main event is the much anticipated performance of Hamlet. Unfortunately, this is currently sold out but more tickets are expected to be released so keep checking the box office website for more information.
Did you know? Recent Oscar winner Mark Rylance was the first artistic director and held the position for 12 years.
Other Performances: If you’re in Canterbury or Norwich, both the Theatre Royal and the Marlowe Theatre have A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Alternatively, the RSC will be hosting a Shakespeare Live! Event to be shown in Picturehouse cinemas and on BBC Two on Shakespeare Day from 8:30pm.
Hampton Court Palace
No he didn’t live here but Shakespeare did perform at Hampton Court Palace. In December 1603, Shakespeare and his fellow players, the King’s Men were summoned to perform at the Palace before King James I. They performed 7 plays in the Great Hall over the 3 weeks they were there and sealed the approval of the King who became their patron. After this, the King’s Men became a regular fixture at the Palace and performed there numerous times over the next few years. This connection certainly makes Hampton Court Palace a worthy place to celebrate Shakespeare Day!
From William III’s private apartments to the famous Hampton Court Maze, there’s a huge amount to see and do at the Palace. Get here early and spend some time examining the amazing tapestries hanging in the Great Hall.
Kronborg Castle, Denmark
OK this one is a little trickier to get to but it’s certainly worth the effort! Located in Helsingør, 45 minutes north of Copenhagen, Kronborg Castle served as the inspiration for Elsinore in Hamlet. It’s location opposite Helsingborg in Sweden makes this a great spot to a bit of sightseeing in both countries.
Photo by: Alexei Novikov/Fotolia
At midday on the weekends, there is an English tour of the Castle where your guide is none other than Hamlet’s friend Horatio. The tour tells the story of Hamlet and the role of the Castle in the play.
Once you’ve explored the Castle, make your way to the Maritime Museum of Denmark to discover more about the area and the country’s maritime history.
Exit
If you are planning on visiting any of these location on Shakespeare Day, take it easy and remember the words of Friar Lawrence in Romeo & Juliet; “Wisely, and slow. They stumble that run fast.”
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