Although originally occupied by Britons, the then-village was founded after the Anglo Saxons invaded Warwickshire in 7AD, who gave it the name 'Stratford Upon Avon' – a title meaning Stratum (Latin for 'Street'), Ford for 'shallow stream', and Avon – a Celtic word for 'river'.
Anything to do with the town of Stratford is always referred to as Stratford-upon-Avon. However, as a district council, we cover a much larger area than the town itself, but do not want to lose the instantly recognised tag of Stratford, so anything to do with the district is referred to as Stratford-on-Avon.
or Stratford-upon-Avon (ˈstrætfəd ) noun. a market town in central England, in SW Warwickshire on the River Avon: the birthplace and burial place of William Shakespeare and home of the Royal Shakespeare Company; tourist centre.
Stratford-upon-Avon is the town where William Shakespeare was born and is buried. Every year, millions of people celebrate his life and work by visiting the town. You'll find Shakespeare's home town in the heart of England, on the banks of the river Avon.
Stratford-upon-Avon is most famous for being the birthplace and beloved home town of William Shakespeare, but there may be more things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon than you realise.
15 Best Things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon [Shakespeare's Birthplace]
What is the prettiest street in Stratford-upon-Avon?
It's nice to have a stroll down Henley Street when I'm staying in Stratford. Along with a smorgasbord of shops and cafes it houses the jester statue and Shakespeares house.
What is the difference between Stratford-upon-Avon and Stratford on Avon?
Stratford-on-Avon is a local government district in Warwickshire, England. The district is named after its largest town of Stratford-upon-Avon, but with a change of preposition; the town uses "upon" and the district uses "on".
What is the oldest building in Stratford-upon-Avon?
Masons Court is a stunning example of a medieval Wealden Hall and is located in the centre of Stratford-upon-Avon, a lively and historic market town. Built in 1482 the house is recognised as the oldest house in Stratford-upon-Avon and many of its original features remain including two 16th century wall paintings.
When did Queen Elizabeth visit Stratford-upon-Avon?
1957: Visiting Stratford-upon-Avon
In June 1957, Queen Elizabeth II and The Duke of Edinburgh made a special trip to the town. They visited Shakespeare's Birthplace, the Town Hall and attended an anniversary performance of As You Like It, with a cast including Dame Peggy Ashcroft, at the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre.
Between the last two censuses, the average (median) age of Stratford-on-Avon increased by two years, from 46 to 48 years of age. This area had a higher average (median) age than the West Midlands as a whole in 2021 (40 years) and a higher average (median) age than England (40 years).
Planning your visit. Bancroft Basin, on the Stratford upon Avon Canal, lies in the heart of historic Stratford. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and the River Avon, it's easy to miss this hidden gem.
One of the advantages of living in Stratford-upon-Avon, is that it is easy to get around the town. Shops, bars, theatres, cinema's etc are all within walking distance of each other. The Shakespeare Institute itself is only seven minutes from the Railway Station and five minutes from the town centre.
Stratford-on-Avon District is a desirable place to live, meaning it is a relatively expensive area and affordable housing options are in short supply. You may need to move to a new home for a variety of different reasons and your circumstances will determine the choices available to you.
Stratford was settled in 1832 and like many Canadian cities, was originally named after Stratford-upon-Avon in England. An English settler named William Sargint established the Shakespeare Inn and Tavern and was given a portrait of William Shakespeare in celebration of his Inn's grand opening.
STRATFORD-UPON-AVON, England — "All the world's a stage," wrote William Shakespeare, who died 400 years ago. But he played out much of his life in one small English market town: Stratford-upon-Avon.
Visit Stratford-upon-Avon introduces you to a market town with more than 800 years of history, containing not only many buildings that survive today and would have been familiar to Shakespeare, but also a thriving community offering a wide variety of leisure, accommodation and shopping experiences.
During his late teens, he married and later had three children (Susanna and twins Hamnet and Judith). It's believed that around the mid-1580s, he left Stratford for London to make a success in London's performing arts scene.
How many people lived in Stratford on Avon when Shakespeare lived?
The population of Stratford-upon-Avon when Shakespeare was a boy was between 2,000 and 2,500 and it is likely that William knew most of the other children in the town, especially the boys, many of whom might well have gone to school with William.
What's the population of Stratford-upon-Avon in Shakespeare's time?
Stratford Upon Avon was classed as an important market town, and Shakespeare's time it would have had a population of about 2500 people which was quite big in those days.
Clopton Bridge, which dates back to the Medieval period. It was built in the 15th century to replace the earlier timber bridge. This bridge was made of stone with 14 segmental pointed arches. It was widened in 1814.
What is the oldest theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon?
The Shakespeare Memorial Theatre opened on our site next to the River Avon in 1879, after local brewer, Charles Flower donated the land and launched a campaign to build a theatre in the town of Shakespeare's birth.
New Place was the largest house in the borough, and the only one with a courtyard – a significant purchase for the 33-year-old Shakespeare in 1597. There were ten hearths, which means it had between 20 and 30 rooms, plenty of space for the whole of Shakespeare's family.
What is the small village near Stratford-upon-Avon?
Welford-on-Avon is a highly sought-after village approximately 4.5 miles from Stratford-upon-Avon, close to the north Cotswolds and the Vale of Evesham.
There are 4 Stratford upon Avon beaches to pick from. Find the perfect places to go with your kids and get out on your next adventure! All the beaches we list are rated according to the ages they are suitable for, facilities and whether they are suitable for rainy days or best when the sun is shining.
Stratford is an area located in the London Borough of Newham, in East London. It is known for its rich history, excellent transport links, and world-famous sporting venues. Whether you are a homeowner, tenant, or visitor, Stratford has something to offer for everyone.