William Shakespeare’s Grave, Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon is thronged with tourists in peak season visiting places associated with William Shakespeare. Go slightly out of season and the crowds are gone.
One of the Shakespeare places on the list to be seen in Stratford-upon-Avon is his burial place in Holy Trinity church. The church occupies a lovely spot on the banks of the River Avon a short walk away from the Royal Shakespeare Company’s theatre in central Stratford.
The church has a rich and well presented history in addition to its fame as the last resting place of William Shakespeare.
The Chancel
Shakespeare’s grave, along with those of his family, lie close to the altar in the Chancel. The church is free to enter and there is a £5 (as of 2024) charge to enter the Chancel which funds the church’s upkeep. Even out of season, I still had to wait for thirty minutes to have the place to myself for just two minutes, but that was long enough to get these pictures.
William Shakespeare’s Grave
At the far end of the church are the burial plots of the Shakespeare family, with William and Anne to the left under the memorial on the wall. William’s grave is marked with a rope.
Good friend for Jesus’ sake forbear
to dig the dust enclosed here.
Blessed be the man that spares these stones,
and cursed be he that moves my bones.
William Shakespeare’s Gravestone
1611 Chained Bible
Books were very valuable, so were frequently kept safe with chains. This bible would of been used in Shakespeare’s lifetime at church services. It is now on display in the North Transept.
Sanctuary Knocker
Anyone in trouble who managed to touch the Sanctuary Knocker could claim sanctuary in the church for 37 days.
The Font
This is the actual font Shakespeare was baptised in.
