Architecture Around the World

William Shakespeare's Birthplace
Stratford-Upon-Avon, England

William Shakespeare not only grew up in this building but was associated with itall his life. It is quite likely that he and his wife lived there for some time after their marriage in 1582. He certainly inherited the house when his father died in 1601 and bequeathed it on his own death in 1616 to his eldest daughter. The Birthplace is in fact one of the very few surviving objects that unquestionably belonged to him.

Several documents exist to show that John Shakespeare, the dramatist's father, acquired the property on this site in two separate transactions, the main part being purchased in 1556, probably shortly after it had been built. In his son's day the family home was a fairly spacious property, reflecting John Shakespeare's relative affluence; besides his craft as a glovemaker, he was for some years a dealer in wool on a considerable scale and was also involved in money-lending.


Click on illustrations for larger size -- and additional information

1807 drawing by Henry Edridge

Terra cotta shingle roof

Gable roof

Half-timbering construction

Rear of house
Note
oriel window

Oriel window

Lattice window

Half-timbering construction

Terra cotta shingle roof

Lattice transom window


Photos and their arrangement © 2002 Chuck LaChiusa
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