The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust (SBT) has confirmed that on Friday 17 October a vehicle accidentally reversed into the side of Hall’s Croft, one of Stratford-upon-Avon’s most significant historic properties and a Grade I listed building.
The incident caused substantial damage to the fabric of the building, damaging several seventeenth century timbers and exposing the oldest parts of the house interior to the elements. The police were immediately informed, and the Trust’s Estates and Conservation teams acted swiftly to make the site safe, stable, and secure.
Hall’s Croft, once home to Shakespeare’s daughter Susanna and her husband Dr. John Hall, is part of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust’s internationally important collection of heritage properties. The Trust is now assessing the full extent of the damage in consultation with structural engineers and heritage specialists.
Rachael North, Chief Executive of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, said: “While we are relieved that no one was injured, we are deeply saddened to see damage to one of Stratford’s most beautiful and historic buildings. Our teams responded quickly to stabilise the affected area, and we are now working closely with conservation experts to determine the repairs required.”
The incident underscores the broader challenge facing organisations like SBT, which care for fragile, centuries-old buildings at a time of rising costs, skills shortages, and limited public funding.
Rachael North continued: “Every day we face the enormous responsibility of preserving five Grade I and II* listed buildings — the very homes and places that tell Shakespeare’s story. Yet the costs of conservation are increasing rapidly, and the specialist skills required are in short supply. Incidents like Friday’s are a stark reminder of how vulnerable our heritage is, and how vital it is that we continue to invest in its protection.”
Other parts of Hall’s Croft are already subject to a major conservation programme, funded by US philanthropist and playwright Ken Ludwig. The damage caused in the incident on Friday may accelerate the need to move into the next wider phase of conservation requiring several millions of pounds of investment, which SBT is unable to fund from its own resources.
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is a charity and must raise the resources needed for conservation through visitors, grants, donations, and partnerships. News of the incident on Friday has already led to messages of support and donations from people around the world.
The Trust will continue to provide updates as work progresses to stabilise and repair Hall’s Croft.
For anyone wishing to support the conservation and protection of Hall’s Croft or the other Shakespeare family homes, donations can be made via https://givealittle.co/c/4jeSoSAVUj9hCD3E6oSQro