The Area : Shakespeare's Stratford

"Our mission at the RSC is to keep audiences in touch with Shakespeare - understanding his work through today's artists, actors and writers." Visit Royal Shakespeare Company website

Shakespeare's birthplace
Only 15 minutes away

John Shakespeare married Mary Arden, the daughter of Robert Arden, a farmer from the nearby village of Wilmcote. In 1556 John bought the main part of the house in Henley Street which is now known as the ‘Birthplace’ and their family, including William, grew up there. John’s principal business was that of a glover, but he also traded as a wool and corn merchant, and he is recorded in 1570 as being involved in money-lending.