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The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust

The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust

Working with Shakespearean History

The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is the independent charity that cares for some of the world’s greatest Shakespeare heritage in his home town of Stratford-upon-Avon. It is the global centre for learning about and experiencing the works, life and times of the world’s best-known writer.  Through the five historic Shakespeare family homes, internationally designated museum collections, award-winning learning programmes and digital channels, we provide imaginative, immersive and interactive opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to get up-close-and-personal with Shakespeare.

The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is a self-sustaining charity which generates its income through the support of visitors, donors, volunteers and Friends. In April 2018 it was granted National Portfolio funding from Arts Council England for the first time, enabling new creative and outreach programmes with a particular focus on communities which are currently less engaged in arts, culture and heritage. 

Exciting Exhibitions & Events 2023/2024

1st July - 3rd September: Weekends at Mary Arden's Farm

1st July - 3rd September: Summer With Shakespeare

25th March - 5th November: 400 years Of The First Folio

26th July - 3rd September: All The World's A Stage

9th - 23rd August: Summer Fun At The Farm

9th August - 4th November: Family Fun At Mary Arden's Farm

9th August: Anne Shakespeare Special Event

31st October - 4th November: Halloween Fun At The Farm

Our History

The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust was formed in 1847 following the purchase of Shakespeare’s Birthplace as a national memorial. The Trust now cares for the world’s greatest Shakespeare heritage sites - the five beautifully preserved homes and gardens directly linked to Shakespeare and his family in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Together, Shakespeare's family homes form an iconic destination in the UK which has been attracting visitors from around the globe for centuries. Today, a tour of these houses takes you on a natural journey through Shakespeare's life from his birth at the house on Henley Street, to his mature family home and eventual death at Shakespeare’s New Place.

World Class Collections

At the heart of all things Shakespeare, the Trust holds the world’s largest Shakespeare-related library, museum and archives open to the public, with over 1 million documents, 55,000 books and 12,000 museum objects. We also care for the Royal Shakespeare Company’s archive of theatre records, as well as an extensive local history archive of Stratford-upon-Avon and South Warwickshire, with records dating back to the twelfth century.

Get In Touch:

Our postal address is:

 

The Shakespeare Centre
Henley Street
Stratford-upon-Avon
Warwickshire
CV37 6QW

 

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