Day 23 (and a last little bit of 22) - Stratford-upon-Avon

We zig-zagged our way across country to Stratford. We took a wrong turn in Sheffield and went through the centre of town instead of skirting it, but at least we got to see their trams.

We arrived in Stratford quite late and as we drove towards the centre of town we saw a B&B and called in on the off chance they had a room.They did. Well we couldn't have chosen a better place. It was about 2 minutes walk to the centre of town along the canal. We decided to stay 2 nights as the constant travelling is catching up with us. 

We were recommended a pub by the river and we had a meal there. Cox's Yard is set around a converted timber yard on the River Avon. We ate in solitary splendour except for a small German group a few tables away. All the Brits were in the bar wailing and shouting. They were watching the British soccer team play some other country in the Euro Cup. Denise had her first, and only, warm beer here.

Denise and her warm beer at Stratford.

Clopton Bridge in the background, built 

in 1480 and carries traffic to this day.

Lesley at Cox's Yard 

with the Tramway Bridge in the background.

Cox's Yard

Have a look at this link to see this lovely area. Tramway Bridge panorama

The next day we went on a walking tour of Stratford. We met at this lovely fountain.

Swan Fountain, Stratford

It was a terrific walk which included all the major highlights of Stratford plus incidental bits. As usual our guide was very knowledgeable, easy to talk to and amusing.

Our tour guide, Barbara.

Because Shakespeare was so famous in his time much remains in Stratford of his period. Barbara told us that when they renovate properties within the town they may have Victorian or early 20thC facades but still have the original Elizabethan structure underneath. This was so with Judith Shakespeare's house. She was the younger daughter of William.

Us at Shakespeare's birthplace.

In the above photo you can see that Shakespeare's birthplace is not black and white. His childhood home is as he would remember it. The black and white Tudor style that we know so well is a Victorian fashion. 

You're not mistaken when you can see it was sunny! In fact it was so warm we had to buy some sunscreen!!!

Some Stratford scenes.

The building next to the church is where Shakespeare went to school.

Lesley demonstrating how to open a lock gate,
canal basin, Stratford

This corner represents 4 centuries. Starting at the b&w which is 17thC, the yellow town hall is 18thC, the red brick bank is 19thC and the one in the bottom right-hand corner is 20thC.

At the Shrieves House. One of the oldest residential buildings in Stratford. 

It was an inn in Shakespeare's time.(By the way the red brick in between the wood is a Victorian cover-up too!)