Stratford-Upon-Avon, or simply ‘Stratford’, is a charming market town nestled in Warwickshire County, East Midlands. While originally settled by Britons, the Anglo-Saxons founded the village after invading Warwickshire in 7AD. They named it ‘Stratford Upon Avon’, meaning street (Stratum), shallow stream (Ford), and river (Avon).
Famous as the birthplace and resting place of legendary playwright William Shakespeare, Stratford draws millions of visitors every year. But beyond its Shakespearean ties, this town offers a deep historical and cultural experience.
Let’s explore the rich story of Stratford-Upon-Avon—from medieval trade and Tudor drama to modern-day theatre and tourism.
A Brief Economic History
Stratford earned town status in 1197. When King Richard I approved its weekly market, trade began to flourish. In the 12th century, the wool industry grew rapidly, helping Stratford prosper. By the 16th century, cloth manufacturing played a major role in the local economy.
During the Industrial Revolution, Stratford contributed significantly to ironwork, printing, and engineering. In the 19th century, an increase in factories and businesses led to a growing population and economic boom.
Today, Stratford’s economy still thrives. Retail, tourism, and manufacturing remain key industries. Shakespeare’s legacy alone attracts a global audience, boosting local business and culture alike.
Medieval Stratford – The Clopton Story
Sir Hugh Clopton, a wealthy mercer and former London mayor, returned to his Stratford roots in the 15th century. When he heard plans for a new bridge over the River Avon, he offered to fund the project—on the condition it bear his name.
The town agreed, and the Clopton Bridge was built. It still stands today, complete with a plaque that honours his generosity. Reading “In the year 1462, Sir Hugh Clopton built this bridge of stone over the River Avon at his own expense for the common use and benefit of the people of Stratford-upon-Avon.” Sir Hugh Clopton remains a symbol of civic pride and local philanthropy.
Tudor Stratford – The Shakespeare Era
Even if you know little about Stratford, you’ve likely heard of William Shakespeare. The famous playwright, born in April 1564, was the third of eight children. He attended grammar school until age 14 and later married Anne Hathaway, with whom he had three children.
In the mid-1580s, Shakespeare moved to London. Some say he fled to escape charges of illegal deer poaching. His plays, first recorded around 1592, earned both praise and criticism. He soon joined the acting company Lord Chamberlain’s Men, later known as the King’s Men.
With successes like Hamlet and Romeo & Juliet, he invested in the Globe Theatre and several properties. Though he spent much of his life in London, Shakespeare returned to Stratford later in life. He died at age 52 and was buried in Holy Trinity Church.
Early years
Born in April 1564 into a middle-class family in Stratford Upon Avon, William was the 3rd of 8 children and, from a young age, was grammar school-educated until the age of 14. During his late teens, he married and later had three children (Susanna and twins Hamnet and Judith).
It’s believed that around the mid-1580s, he left Stratford for London to make a success in London’s performing arts scene. Still, rumour has it he fled to escape prosecution for illegal deer poaching on a local politician’s estate.
His stage plays are first recorded in London around 1592, and would regularly receive attacks in the press from a rival playwright, who mocked him as punching above his weight in the industry.
Shakespeare’s Success
He soon became a part-owner of the Lord Chamberlain’s Men (before changing its name to King’s Men), an acting company, which soon became the main playing company in London.
As success grew with plays such as Romeo & Juliet and Hamlet, Shakespeare made major investments, including his part in the Globe Theatre on London’s South Bank and various properties, making him a wealthy man.
Later Years And Death
Despite splitting much of his life between London and Stratford, some folk believe that Shakespeare moved back to Stratford permanently sometime before his death.
He died aged 52 from a fever – believed to have been caused by contaminated water, and was buried just two days later in the Holy Trinity Church in Stratford Upon Avon.
Shakespeare’s Birthplace
The Shakespeare family home that William was born, grew up in and lived with his family still stands to this day, and remains a popular tourist attraction in Stratford Upon Avon.
Although unclear when the house was built, William’s father, John Shakespeare, took hold of the property in 1556 and raised his kids, including William, with his wife, Mary Arden.
Eventually, William’s wife, Anne Hathaway, and their three children would also live in the property.
When John Shakespeare died in 1601, William leased the house, which then became a pub (or inn) known as the Maidenhead, then the Swan and Maidenhead Inn, being passed down through family generations before being sold in the early 1800s and then purchased by the Shakespeare’s Birthplace Trust.
You can visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace today, with tickets at around £20 per adult.
Royal Shakespeare Theatre
Alongside Shakespeare’s Birthplace, another popular tourist attraction is the Royal Shakespeare Theatre which was built in memory of the famous playwright. Built-in 1879, the theatre stands on the banks of the River Avon and has been a major part of the town over the years.
Sadly, the original theatre was destroyed by a fire, and the New New Shakespeare Memorial Theatre opened its doors on a nearby site in 1932, designed by Elisabeth Scott.
Today, plays, musicals, and exhibitions bring tourists worldwide to experience what Stratford-Upon-Avon has to offer.
Eighteenth Century Stratford – The Garrick Story
In 1741, David Garrick was making a name for himself as one of the most renowned and innovative actors of the era. At this time, he was in his 30s and had been acting for more than a decade. He had gained an immense following for his on-stage performances, and having starred in Richard III; he became well known for his portrayal of Shakespearean characters.
In 1769, he came up with the idea to host an annual Shakespearean festival in memory of the playwright. The festival would be held in Stratford-Upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare himself and the town that inspired much of his works. Garrick proposed this festival as a way to commemorate and celebrate the life of Shakespeare, with a procession, music, and a variety of theatrical performances. The procession with floral tributes moves through the streets, passing landmarks such as the town hall, Anne Hathaway’s cottage and the Parish Church. Finally, they end at the dramatist’s tomb, placing their tributes at the end of his tomb.
The festival was such a success that it still runs to this day! Each year, the citizens gets involved with the celebrations as a way to commemorate Shakespeare and his life.
The Story Today – Stratford In Bloom
Stratford-upon-Avon remains a vital cultural and literary destination, just as it was in Shakespeare’s time. The town proudly celebrates its past through events that honour William Shakespeare’s life. These activities let visitors experience the atmosphere of the town during his lifetime.
At Escape Live, we’re proud to call Stratford-upon-Avon home. We love sharing its rich heritage. Shakespeare’s story and birthplace inspire the themes and characters in our immersive escape rooms.
In Shakespeare’s Script, your team must uncover one of the Bard’s lost scripts before the curtain rises—and the King finds out! As the world’s only Shakespeare-themed escape room, we’re proud to keep his story alive. This unique experience helps new generations connect with the town’s history in a fresh, exciting way.
The room faithfully recreates the playwright’s home, letting you feel the past as soon as you walk in.
Come explore Shakespeare’s story and hometown with Escape Live. We look forward to welcoming you soon!
We hope that this blog has given you an insight into the rich heritage of this cultural town. From getting to see the playwright’s birthplace to experiencing a Garrick-inspired festival or taking part in Escape Live’s Shakespeare-themed escape room, there is so much to discover and explore in Stratford-upon-Avon for all ages! So come and be a part of the story, and experience this beautiful town for yourself.
Stratford Upon Avon FAQs:
We’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about the history of Stratford Upon Avon below:
What is the oldest part of Stratford-upon-Avon?
The oldest part of Stratford upon Avon is said to be the cobblestones in Shrieve’s House, which date back to 1196.
Why did Shakespeare leave Stratford-upon-Avon?
Whilst it is commonly assumed that Shakespeare left the town to work on his career, rumour has it that he left due to illegally poaching a deer on Sir Thomas Lucy’s estate. Leaving was a way for him to escape punishment.
What is the story of Stratford-upon-Avon?
Stratford Upon Avon was founded by the Saxons when they invaded Warwick in the 7th century. In England, Stratford is well-known for its historical status and famous resident William Shakespeare.
What is the oldest pub in Avon?
The Garrick Inn is the oldest pub in the town.
What are some famous streets in Stratford upon Avon?
Some famous streets include Henley Street, Church Street, Chapel Street and Bridge Street. The Stratford on avon district town council works hard to maintain and preserve all areas of the town.
