Shakespeare Birthplace Trust

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Shakespeare Birthplace Trust The world's leading charity in promoting the works, life & times of Shakespeare. www.shakespeare.org.uk
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The independent charity that cares for the world’s greatest Shakespeare heritage sites in Stratford-upon-Avon, including Shakespeare's Birthplace, Anne Hathaway's Cottage, Mary Arden's Farm, Shakespeare's New Place and Hall's Croft. We promote the enjoyment and understanding of Shakespeare's works, life and times all over the world. Visit our website to find out more about each of the houses and the work that is being carried out across the trust.

15/10/2026

🎃 This Halloween, we’re uncovering the hidden witches’ marks of Shakespeare’s Birthplace…

Also known as apotropaic marks, these mysterious symbols were carved into doorways, entrances and fireplaces to help ward off evil spirits and protect the home from harm.

They come in all shapes and forms, with two hidden on the wooden beams of the cellar staircase, in a locked-away area of the Birthplace 👀

What secrets have these centuries-old marks been keeping? Join us as we shine a light on one of the Birthplace’s hidden details…

14/10/2026

Conservation work continues at Hall’s Croft! 🏡 Our team is carefully inspecting and repairing the building’s historic timber, preserving as much of the houses' original fabric as possible.

While the site is closed, you can explore its history with the free Hall’s Croft Spatial Archive (an interactive 3D and augmented reality experience) that brings the building and its objects to life.
This archive was developed by the University of Brighton and funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)

💚 Help support the important conservation project at Hall's Croft by donating via the link in our bio.

Planning a visit next week? 🗓️ On Tuesday 20 October, Shakespeare’s family homes will close early so our team can come t...
14/10/2026

Planning a visit next week? 🗓️ On Tuesday 20 October, Shakespeare’s family homes will close early so our team can come together for a special event. On this day our opening times will be:

• Shakespeare’s Birthplace & Shop: 10am to 2pm
• Anne Hathaway’s Cottage: 10am to 2pm
• Shakespeare’s New Place Gardens: 11am to 2pm
• The Garden Café: 10am to 12.30pm

Last entry to all houses and gardens is 1.30pm. Morning tickets are still available, so you can make the most of your day.

Check opening times and book: https://bit.ly/3JKL6tK

09/10/2026

One of the strangest sights at Shakespeare’s Birthplace is seeing a bed where you might least expect it! 🛏️

But in Tudor times, this wouldn't have been out of the ordinary - in fact, you very likely would have proudly displayed your finest bed, with its ornate carvings and luxurious textiles, in the parlour (one of the most public rooms of the house), for guests to admire your wealth and good taste.

And this fun fact puts a famous detail of Shakespeare’s will in a whole new light… He left his wife, Anne, the 'second best bed'. But if the best bed was on display, could the second best have been the bed they actually shared together?

This potentially makes the bed he left her a far more personal gesture than we might first have imagined.

08/10/2026

This is where his story began 🖋️
The house where he was born, where he grew up and where his imagination first began to take shape.
This...is Shakespeare's Birthplace.

A home that has lived many lives, as a family home, a place of business, even a pub - and now, a a place where visitors can walk the very floors its believed Shakespeare did.

Walk through the house. Stand where he stood.
And for a moment, become part of his story ❤️

What a day! We have loved sharing with you today at Shakespeare's New Place.Here are some of our favourite costume cre...
03/10/2026

What a day! We have loved sharing with you today at Shakespeare's New Place.

Here are some of our favourite costume creations, and highlights from our special talks and stalls.

📢Our Fun Palace is TODAY!✏️Join us from 11-3pm at Shakespeare's New Place for free activities and family fun.No need to ...
03/10/2026

📢Our Fun Palace is TODAY!

✏️Join us from 11-3pm at Shakespeare's New Place for free activities and family fun.

No need to book, just turn up.

28/09/2026

🎅 Santa Claus did not exist for Shakespeare.

In Tudor times, Father Christmas was a symbol of feasting and merrymaking (not a jolly gift-giver for children dressed in red!)

But this Christmas, Captain Christmas is coming to Anne Hathaway’s Cottage!

Meet Santa in his grotto at The Garden Café for a private 10-minute family visit, a special gift, festive crafts plus a hot chocolate and a gingerbread man.

📍 The Garden Café, opposite Anne Hathaway’s Cottage
🎟️ £12.50 per child | Up to 4 children per booking
📅 12 December 2026

Book now, relax later. Your Christmas plans will be sorted: https://bit.ly/4hSZ7Xd

Our 2026 Fun Palace is a week on Saturday!🌈Shakespeare’s New Place is open from 11-3pm on Saturday 3 October for a day o...
23/09/2026

Our 2026 Fun Palace is a week on Saturday!

🌈Shakespeare’s New Place is open from 11-3pm on Saturday 3 October for a day of free craft activities and special talks, all themed around Tudor dress history, costumes and self-expression.

💬Talks will include ‘Stratford-Upon-Avon’s Folk History with Shakespeare Morris’ and ‘Shakespeare & Science Fiction!’

Free entry with no need to book! More info here:

https://bit.ly/4r1PB82

Here’s some hidden facts about Anne Hathaway’s Cottage that many people don’t know… 👀Hewlands Farm 🧺 Anne’s family home ...
23/09/2026

Here’s some hidden facts about Anne Hathaway’s Cottage that many people don’t know… 👀

Hewlands Farm 🧺
Anne’s family home was originally known as Hewlands Farm and it inspired the setting of Hamnet, though the film recreated it elsewhere.

Second-Best Bed 🛏️
The 'Hathaway bed' has headboard and posts dating to 1580–1630, overlapping Anne’s lifetime. It may have been owned by Anne’s brother Bartholomew.

Tudor Extension 🏡
The central part of the cottage is over 500 years old, with the rest added by the Hathaway family over the years.

Courting Settle 🪑
Tradition says Anne and Shakespeare sat here when courting (but the settle dates to 1750–1800, making the romantic tale impossible.)

Have you noticed an of these details when visiting Anne Hathaway's Cottage?

Address

The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust Administrative Offices, 38 Henley Street
Stratford-Upon-Avon
CV376QW

Telephone

+44 1789 201820

Website

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