Stratford - Shakespeare's Birthplace

Shakespeare's birthplace occupies an isolated position in Henley Street, as the surrounding half-timbered houses have been ripped down to protect it from the risk of fire. The two-storied, half-timbered complex with its many gables comprises the house in which Shakespeare was born and the additional houses bought by his father. The interior of Shakespeare's birthplace has remained unaltered and reflects the residential lifestyle of a lower middle-class family in the second half of the 16th century, the period in which Shakespeare grew up as the son of a wool dealer. The rooms have been lovingly arranged with contemporary furniture and contain much memorabilia, including the First Folio edition of his works (1623), and a window on which many illustrious visitors and admirers scratched their names.

A visitor's center houses a permanent exhibition on Shakespeare: his life and background.