Treasures
The Collections of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust are full of treasures - they can be important, beautiful, tantalising, sometimes unique or very rare. They are all fascinating in different ways - explore some of our best treasures below. Some of them can be seen in the Treasures Exhibition at Shakespeare's Birthplace and others in the Shakespeare houses or the Library and Archive. Each entry gives details of where the item can be found.
If you want to explore the wider collections please visit our Catalogues.
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Shakespeare's gold signet ring?
A gold signet ring found near Holy Trinity Church with the initials 'W.S.
Treasures Exhibition
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Plutarch's Lives of the noble Grecians and Romans
One of Shakespeare's major sources with a fascinating history
Library and Archive
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Map collected by Captain James Saunders
Map collected by Captain James Saunders - Stratford antiquarian and military man
Library and Archive
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John Gerard’s The Herball, or generall historie of plantes
Lulled in these flowers with dances and delight - Gerard's Herbal
Library and Archive
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Settlement Records
Was your ancestor among the wandering poor of late 17th century Stratford-upon-Avon
Library and Archive
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A Family Saying Grace Before a Meal, by Anthonius Claeissins (1538 – 1613), c.1585
A 16th century family portrait
Hall's Croft
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The Works of Mr. William Shakespeare, edited by Nicholas Rowe, 1709
The first edited edition of Shakespeare's plays
Library and Archive
