Shakespeare's Birthplace
Where the story began
Three young ladies and one older lady visitors on a path in the Birthplace Garden, edged by tall flowers and shrubs, and with the Birthplace in the background
A lady in a blue sixteenth-century kirtle and a white linen coif handling part-made leather gloves in the Glover's Workshop, with shelves and a table behind holding various pots and implements
Two young men clinking decorated tankards in the Shakespeare Tavern
A stack of books available in the bookshop, including works by him and others about him
Visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace – William Shakespeare’s childhood home in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon. Hear tales of Shakespeare’s family life and get up close to objects from the Trust’s world class collections as you discover how the extraordinary playwright continues to shape our lives today. Continue reading...
John Shakespeare – William’s father – lived and worked in the house known today as Shakespeare’s Birthplace. John married Mary Arden in about 1557 and William was born in 1564, the third of their eight children.
In 1568 John became the Mayor of Stratford, which was the highest elective office in the town. It was because of his father’s status as Mayor that William was privileged enough to have attended the local grammar school to begin his education.
In 1582, at the age of 18, William married Anne Hathaway. The young couple continued to live with his parents in the Birthplace. It is where their own children, Susanna, Judith and Hamnet were born.
John Shakespeare died in 1601 and being the eldest surviving son, William inherited the house. William leased the small, two-room cottage adjoining the main house to his sister, Joan Hart. The remainder of the family home was also leased and became an inn, called the Maidenhead. It was later renamed the Swan and Maidenhead Inn, which remain in operation until 1847. When Shakespeare died in 1616 he left the property to his elder daughter Susanna, and when she died she left it to her only child, Elizabeth.
Although she married twice, Elizabeth had no children. When she died in 1670 the house passed to a descendant of Joan Hart. The Hart family owned the property until 1806 when it was sold to Thomas Court, a butcher. The whole property was put up for sale in 1846, following the death of Court’s widow.
In order to save the building where William Shakespeare was born a public campaign was launched, supported by Charles Dickens. The property was purchased at auction by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust in 1847 for £3,000. We have cared for it ever since.
For the official guidebook of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust visit our online shop.
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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enjoy
Visiting during Coronavirus
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families
Children's Trails
Keep the children entertained this summer with our new free trails.
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history
Glover's Workshop
Discover John Shakespeare’s prestigious trade as a glove maker
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exhibition
Famous Beyond Words
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enjoy
Video guides
Bring Shakespeare's home to life with our video guides, streamed direct to your mobile.
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collection
Must-see Items on Display
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landmark
Giant Wallbook of Shakespeare
38 plays on a timeline that stretches over 9 metres
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
Visitor Info & Prices
Shakespeare's Story Ticket
Make a day of it and visit all 3 properties
Prices shown include voluntary donation
- Adult Peak: £26.00
- Adult Off-Peak: £24.00
- Child Peak: £17.00
- Child Off-Peak: £15.50
Single property ticket
- Adult Peak (includes voluntary donation): £20.00
- Adult Off-Peak (Includes voluntary donation): £18.00
- Child 3-15 Peak (includes voluntary donation): £13.50
- Child 3-15 Off-Peak (includes voluntary donation): £12.50
Shakespeare's Birthplace
A perfect introduction to Shakespeare, couple this with another of our properties for a great day out.
Visit time: 1 Hour
- Gift shop
- Book shop
- Toilets
- Garden
- Exhibitions
- Access
- Dogs
- Prices
- Opening times
Getting here
Nearby attractions
10 minutes drive to Anne Hathaway's Cottage
10 minutes walk to Shakespeare's New Place
Warwickshire,
CV37 6QW
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