November 25th, 2009 
Frederick Hoymer Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire is the birthplace of William Shakespeare. This town is located in south-central section of England and lies on the River Avon. This town is part of the district of Stratford-on-Avon. The district uses the word on as opposed to the word upon used by the town; this implies that the district covers a larger area. Among its residents Stratford-upon-Avon is referred to simply as Stratford. This can be confusing, since there is a Stratford, near London.
Stratford or Stratford-upon-Avon is a major tourist city in great part as a result of its native son. There is an estimated 3 million visitors a year to the city. Consequently, tourism is a major part of the industry within the city. The remaining economy is focused around manufacturing of mechanical and electrical engineering, bicycles and boat building. The new technological age also has a major effect on the economy.
The origins of the cities surround that of a market town. This name derived from a Roman road that ran along the border of the river Avon, where the town now exists and originaly meant street on the ford. What was once a humble market town is now a major tourist town thanks to Shakespeare and the theater? The theater has had a major influence in the history of Stratford for centuries.
The first theater built in the city was a wooden structure erected in 1769 by David Garrick. Garrick was an actor, playwright and theater manager and producer who had a great effect on all aspects of theater throughout the 1700s. Garrick is probably most famous for his appearance as Richard the third in Shakespeare’s play by the same name. Garrick earned a great name a result of his contribution to the theater and was provided with a lavish public funeral upon his death. It was conducted at Westminster. ’s Abbey and Garrick is buried in Poets Corner.
Garrick had a major role in the history of the city and its original theater stood close to the current location of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. The city celebrated the 300 anniversary of Shakespeare’s birthday in’64 by building and dedicating the theater to the memory of William Shakespeare. This first theater was a simple wooden structure that was temporary however in’70 the plans for a permanent theater dedicated Shakespeare were implemented. This Memorial Theater opened in’79 and was immediately a huge success.
In’26 the original theater was burned down after having operated for over 50 years and was replaced six years later in’32. The shell of the original Memorial Theater is now contained within the walls of the Swan Theater that was built in the’80s. The Swan Theater is considered one of the finest in all of England.
Also within the city limits are 5 homes that Shakespeare lived in at one point in his life. The most popular of these is the Anne Hathaway Cottage. The Nash house and Hall’s Croft are both also popular with tourists. The holy Trinity Church was also significant part of his life. It was here that he was baptized and buried. Of all the non-Shakespearean tourist attractions one of the most popular is the Stratford butterfly farm.
For a wide selection of Stratford-upon-Avon hotels just click here.
categories: travel,travel and leisure
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