Shakespeare Walking Tour

Highlights from today's walking tour directed by Johnathan Milton.

THE CLOCK
The American fountain/clock monument this stands in the market square on Rother Street and was donated by George W. Childs (1829 -1894), of Philadelphia, an American publisher in 1887 to mark Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. The large Gothic Clock Tower, with sculptures of eagles and lions is an imposing example of design and architecture of the period. The original tower incorporated a fountain which is now no longer functional. You will see not only American Eagles but also English Lions and a fairy from A Midsummer Night's Dream as part of the stonework. Portrayed above each clock face is a representation of a fairy inspired by Shakespeare in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'.   




THE BIRTHPLACE
William Shakespeare grew up here and he played here. He ate meals in the hall and he slept and dreamed in these rooms. Shakespeare also spent the first five years of married life in this house with his new wife, Anne Hathaway. For millions of Shakespeare enthusiasts worldwide, the house is a shrine.



BAILIFF THOMAS ROGERS' HOUSE / GARRICK INN
Thomas Rogers of Stratford-on-Avon, father of William Rogers, was a bailiff and alderman. Actor, David Garrick revolutionized acting and brought new audiences to Shakespeare during his life.




GUILD CHAPEL
15th century chapel built for the Guild of the Holy Cross.

CHURCH OF THE HOLY TRINITY
It is often known simply as Shakespeare's Church, due to its fame as the place of baptism and burial of William Shakespeare.