Stratford-Upon-Avon
By: Stephanie Joyner
This summer I had the opportunity to participate in UNA’s English Department’s study abroad trip to England. The course explored literary tourism and we visited various historical sites throughout our trip. While this was geared toward English Literary history, as a student of history, I was able to explore and gather information that was useful for my studies. My area of historical focus is Early Modern British history with a concentration on female authorship, so this trip enabled me to explore more deeply my own interests and scholarship applicable to me. Because this was part of the English Department’s course of study, I broadened my horizons in English literature and my own writing skills. History and English are closely tied and go hand in hand in academic scholarship. Here are the most memorable places we visited.
The first place we visited was Stratford-Upon-Avon for none other than William Shakespeare! The quaint little town was stunning and rich with historical heritage. The home site of Shakespeare is still standing, well preserved and conserved so that visitors feel as though they have been transported back in time and really connect with where Shakespeare lived, how he lived, what influenced him, and why. The town leaned heavily on its “Shakespeare” ties (of course!) and there were statues and monuments dedicated to his life there. Here we had the opportunity to watch The Merry Wives of Windsor at the Shakespeare Royal Company and it was fabulous, engaging, and a new drama to me.
Another standout visit in Stratford was our visit to the Holy Trinity Church. This abbey was located on the riverfront and built in the thirteenth century. Of course, the church fashions Gothic architecture and magnificent stained-glass windows, flying buttresses, and high proportional stone arches throughout. Within these walls, Shakespeare is buried and visitors flock to see his final resting place. Along with Shakespeare, other members of his family are also interred. They include: his wife, Anne Hathaway; daughter, Susanna Hall; son-in-law, Thomas Hall (Susanna’s husband); and Thomas Nash (husband to Shakespeare’s granddaughter, Elizabeth Hall).
As a group, we also visited Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, where we could view the childhood home of Shakespeare’s wife, Anne Hathaway, built in the 15th century. The home still stands in excellent condition and remains largely the same as it once did– rickety stairs, uneven stone floors, and all! It is now owned by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. Interestingly, the home was still functional and used as a dwelling place until late the 19th century when the Trust acquired the property. It is certainly a popular site for Shakespeare enthusiasts to visit and well worth the trip to see!
Here are a few (of the many) pictures from my time in Stratford! I enjoyed visiting Stratford, taking in its charm, history, and heritage. Shakespeare lovers are sure to enjoy it as well!
