Open to the public
May - October 2007
In addition to the five Shakespeare Houses the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust since 1991 has also been responsible for maintaining and managing Harvard House.

Harvard House was the home for Katherine Rogers, mother of John Harvard whose bequest made possible the foundation of Harvard University. Built in 1596 the property is a fine example of an Elizabethan town house. The Victorian novelist Marie Corelli ensured the preservation of the house when in 1905, after the death of the then owner she successfully engaged the support of Edward Morris of Chicago, a millionaire and former student of Harvard University, to provide the funds to purchase and conserve the property.

In 1909 the House was opened to the public and Edward Morris presented it to Harvard University and to the United States of America. A committee led by Marie Corelli undertook the management of the House.

As one of the architectural gems of Stratford-upon-Avon, Harvard House boasts the most ornately timber-framed frontage in the town and includes many other architectural features of interest.

Harvard House is the home of the first Museum of British Pewter. The collection, comprising over 1,000 items from Roman times to the present day, includes some exceptionally rare pieces including Roman chargers, medieval pilgrim badges and a bowl embossed with the Arms of King James VI of Scotland. Items from the collection illustrate how pewter has been used in the home, the church and the tavern throughout the last two thousand years. The twenty first century is represented by modern interpretations of pewter and the work of the current designers.

The majority of the pewter pieces on display were generously presented to the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust by Mr Alex Neish, in 1996.

Guided tours; Virtual reality tour; Exhibition; Children's activity area; Shop; Limited disabled access; Limited on street car parking available. Pay and display car parking available at Bridgefoot.

Opening Times

Summer (4th July - 2nd Sept)
Weds - Sun: 12.00pm - 5.00pm
Bank Holiday (Mon 28th May / 27th August): 12.00 pm - 5.00pm
Mid-season (25th May - 1st July and 7th Sept - 28th Oct)
Fri, Sat and Sun only: 12.00pm - 5.00pm

Visit Time:
Allow at least 1 hour to view the house, see the John Harvard video and play the interactive computer games.

Admission
Adult: £2.75
Child: FREE when accompanied by an adult
Harvard House is FREE to holders of a 3 or 5 House Ticket.

Location: High Street, Stratford-upon-Avon Town Centre. 

WANT TO FIND OUT MORE?

Please click on the links below for more information
Group Visits to Harvard House
Directions to Harvard House
Learn more about the history of Harvard House