In 1984 I was studying English literature at the University. I loved all his poetry and plays. In my mind, I would like to be there to visit his homeland one day. Yes, and I did it! I ticked off a box on my bucket list. I like to share some of the happy times and feelings when I was there with you all my readers.

William Shakespeare was born and raised in Stratford-upon-Avon, a market town in Warwickshire, England. Stratford-upon-Avon is located in the heart of the English countryside and is known for its picturesque Tudor architecture, beautiful gardens, and historic sites associated with Shakespeare’s life and work.

That’s a wonderful feeling that I could visit William Shakespeare’s homeland. Visiting Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of Shakespeare, can be a truly inspiring experience for literature lovers. It’s great that I fulfilled my dream of visiting such a historic and culturally significant place. I was so happy and my mind went off the rails a bit. It went back in 1984. I was young then. It was a memorable year for me, and I can’t describe how happy I was that I could accomplish so much this year during my travels around the world to achieve that. I keep exploring and enjoying all that life has to offer!

William Shakespeare (1564-1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor, widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the English language and the world’s pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England’s national poet and the “Bard of Avon”. Shakespeare’s works, including plays such as Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Macbeth, and Othello, have been translated into every major living language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright. His plays have had a profound influence on literature and the arts, shaping the way we understand human nature, society, and the world around us.

• Stratford-upon-Avon is a market town in Warwickshire, England, located on the River Avon. It is best known as the birthplace of William Shakespeare, one of the greatest playwrights and poets in the English language. The town is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world who come to explore the historic sites associated with Shakespeare’s life and work. Some of the key attractions in Stratford-upon-Avon include Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Mary Arden’s Farm, Hall’s Croft, and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. The town is also home to a variety of charming Tudor buildings, picturesque gardens, and traditional English pubs. In addition to its Shakespearean heritage, Stratford-upon-Avon offers a range of cultural events, festivals, and activities throughout the year. The town has a vibrant arts scene, with performances of Shakespeare’s plays staged by the Royal Shakespeare Company, as well as music concerts, literary events, and more. Overall, Stratford-upon-Avon is a delightful destination for history enthusiasts, literature lovers, and travellers seeking to immerse themselves in the rich heritage of England’s most famous playwright.

Shakespeare’s Childhood

• William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, in April 1564. He was the third child of John Shakespeare, a successful glove-maker and leather merchant, and Mary Arden, the daughter of a prosperous landowning farmer. Shakespeare likely attended the local grammar school in Stratford, where he would have received a classical education in Latin and Greek. His education and exposure to literature and the arts during his formative years would have played a significant role in shaping his future as a playwright and poet. At the age of 18, Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway, a woman eight years his senior, and they had three children together. After the birth of his children, Shakespeare left Stratford-upon-Avon for London, where he pursued a career in the theatre. Although not much is known about Shakespeare’s childhood and early life, his experiences growing up in a small market town in rural England undoubtedly influenced his writing, and many of his plays reflect themes of family, love, and the human condition.

Anne Hathaway’s Cottage

• Anne Hathaway’s Cottage is a historic house located in the village of Shottery, near Stratford-upon-Avon, England. It is a popular tourist attraction and is known for being the childhood home of Anne Hathaway, the wife of William Shakespeare. The cottage is a well-preserved example of a traditional English farmhouse from the 16th century, with its thatched roof, timber beams, and picturesque gardens. It is believed that William Shakespeare courted Anne Hathaway at this cottage before they were married in 1582. Visitors to Anne Hathaway’s Cottage can explore the interior of the house, which contains period furnishings and exhibits related to the life and times of Anne Hathaway and her family. The surrounding gardens are also a highlight, with beautiful flowers, herb beds, and orchards. Anne Hathaway’s Cottage is managed by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and is part of a group of historic sites in and around Stratford-upon-Avon that are dedicated to preserving and celebrating the legacy of William Shakespeare and his family.

Holy Trinity Church

• William Shakespeare was buried in the Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. He was buried in the chancel of the church, which is the area near the altar traditionally reserved for clergy and important figures. Shakespeare’s grave is marked by a stone slab on the floor of the chancel, inscribed with a curse warning against moving his bones. The epitaph on his grave reads:”Good friend for Jesus sake forbeare,To digg the dust encloased here.Bleste be the man that spares these stones,And curst be he that moves my bones.”Shakespeare’s burial in the Holy Trinity Church reflects his status as one of the greatest playwrights in English literature and his enduring legacy in the world of theater and literature. Visitors to Stratford-upon-Avon can pay their respects at Shakespeare’s grave in the Holy Trinity Church, which remains a point of pilgrimage for fans and admirers of the Bard.

• The exact cause of William Shakespeare’s death is not known for certain, as there are no surviving records that provide detailed information about the circumstances surrounding his passing. However, it is believed that Shakespeare died on April 23, 1616, in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, which was also his birthplace.Based on historical accounts and records from the time, it is likely that Shakespeare died of an illness, possibly related to a fever or infection. Some theories suggest that he may have contracted an illness, such as typhoid fever or pneumonia, which was common during that period. Another theory is that he may have died of complications from heavy drinking or other health issues.While the exact cause of Shakespeare’s death remains a mystery, his legacy as one of the greatest playwrights in English literature continues to live on through his timeless works and enduring influence on the world of theater and literature.

Happy times during his life time

• It is difficult to definitively determine William Shakespeare’s personal feelings and emotions throughout his life, as much of what is known about him comes from historical records, his works, and the accounts of those who knew him. However, based on his writings and the general knowledge of his life, it can be inferred that Shakespeare experienced a range of emotions, including happiness, sadness, love, and despair.In his works, Shakespeare often explored themes of love, friendship, loyalty, and the human experience, showcasing a deep understanding of the complexities of human emotions. While some of his plays and sonnets express feelings of melancholy, jealousy, and heartbreak, others celebrate love, joy, and the beauty of life.Shakespeare’s personal life also had moments of happiness, such as his marriage to Anne Hathaway, the birth of his children, and his successful career as a playwright and poet. Despite facing challenges and setbacks, Shakespeare’s enduring legacy and impact on literature suggest that he found fulfillment and happiness in his creative pursuits and the relationships he formed throughout his life.

Be happy and be you!

Cheers

Lina