Mary Arden's Farm
Mary Arden's Farm is currently closed
Lady in madder Kirtle, partlet and white coif feeding corn to two hens and a goose. In the background is a wooden fence and beyond it an ivy-covered red brick barn
Wooden boards painted with pictures of Tudor figures, with children putting their o9wn heads through holes to complete the figure.
Young lady walking on a wooden path in a woodland; long green grass on either side of path
Tudor-clad archer helping young girl shoot an arrow. Two young boys with bows taller than they are stand in the background, in front of a round white tent. There is a quiver of arrows with red flights nest to the archer
Falconer in a leather jerkin and wearing a feathered hat showing a barn owl to two young girls
Lady in Tudor clothing and white coif kneels beside a young boy holding stick which he is about to throw at a ninepin in the foreground. In the background is a cattle pen
Mary Arden’s Farm is currently closed to the public. As part of our phased and measured approach to reopening the Shakespeare family homes, we will continue to operate Mary Arden's Farm as a dedicated outdoor learning facility with special access for local and regional primary schools during the autumn/winter term. Our specialist education workshops will offer pupils an authentic Tudor learning experience, bringing Shakespeare to life in a positive and COVID-safe environment while the Shakespeare Centre is closed for on-site education courses. We will announce our 2022 operating plans for our sites in due course. Thank you for understanding. Continue reading...
Discover the childhood home of Shakespeare’s mother. Experience the sights, sounds and smells of a working Tudor farm on a fantastic family day out at Mary Arden’s Farm. Meet the Tudors who run the farm just as Shakespeare’s mother would have done, watch craft and falconry demonstrations and explore the farmyard, playground and historic buildings.
Built by Mary’s father, Robert Arden around 1514, Mary Arden’s House has been significantly altered over time. Today, visitors to Mary Arden’s Farm can peek inside the chimney and the walls, discover how the house was built and imagine what life must have been like for Mary when she lived here with her seven sisters.
Neighbouring Palmer’s Farmhouse retains much of its original 16th Century structure. Adam Palmer would have employed several day labourers to undertake the daily work on the land and the care of the livestock, and female servants to help his wife with domestic and farmyard tasks. By 1584 Palmer had improved his house, demolishing the old hall and parlour and building a new hall, cross-passage and kitchen, to create the building we see today.
Uncover Shakespeare's Story
Discover the fascinating stories behind the world's greatest storyteller across his family homes
Shakespeare's Birthplace
Anne Hathaway's Cottage
Shakespeare's New Place
Highlights
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history
Daily Activities
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discover
Tudor dinner
Learn about Tudor table manners in our lunchtime performances
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enjoy
Meet the animals
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families
Adventure Play
Explore our timber framed adventure playground for under 12s
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collection
Must-see Items on Display
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families
Family Fun
There’s plenty for children and families to do at Mary Arden’s Farm
Events
Living with Shakespeare
Exploring Shakespeare's life in Bishopsgate and why a remarkable 'cast' of neighbours were useful in establishing himself in London.
- Lecture
- Booking required
Shakespeare and Terror
What do Shakespeare's works tell us about the nature, psychology, and consequences of terror?
- Lecture
- Booking required
Getting here
Nearby attractions
15 minutes drive to Shakespeare’s Birthplace
7 minutes drive to Anne Hathaway’s Cottage
Warwickshire,
CV37 9UN
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