Land of Shakespeare

So here I am in the Stratford-Upon-Avon Public Library. I got in yesterday after a four hour drive (which the website said was only 2 and a half, it's a good thing I took the early coach). The town is delightful, the word charm was created for places like these. I walked around a little last night before play number one, a puppet show depicted Shakespeare's poem "Venus and Adonis" which was read by an RSC actress.

Tonight is the main play however, "Coriolanus", one of the Roman plays, of which I know nothing. My lodging, the Croft Guest house, was perfectly plateable and served a very filling English Breakfast, complete with tomato. The breakfast was a good idea as I trekked out of town to visit Anne Hathaway's Cottage, where Shakespeare's wife lived before their marriage. The walk was beautiful, as English Spring is even more evident outside of the City. I bought a multiple pass, so after visiting the cottage I walked the mile back into town to visit 1) His birthplace and family home 2) The house of his son-in-law 3) The house of his grandson-in-law and finally 4) His grave in the Holy Trinity Church.

At the church I bought a postcard that has a picture of the inscription upon his tombstone, which reads: Good Friend for Jesus sake forbeare to digg the dust encloased heare. Blese be the man who spares thes stones and curst be he who moves my bones.

Apparently Shakespeare was foreseeing the tourism trade that began as early as the 18th century. Even John Adams visited the birthplace in the lates 1700's.

It is a lovely town, but completely based on the tourism trade. There is no real reason to come back once having seen the exhibits except perhaps for more theatre.