It is here that both Shakespeare and his wife, Ann
Hathaway are buried. A Church on the banks of the Avon in Stratford is first mentioned
in the charter of 845, signed by Beorhtwulf, King of Mercia. This would have
been a wooden construction. It is very likely that the Normans replaced this with a
stone building but no trace of either remains. The present limestone building
was begun in 1210 and was built in the shape of a cross.
Visiting Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford is accessible by rail or road from most places in England. The Birmingham International Airport is about
twenty miles away. Stratford is the
home of the Royal Shakespeare Company and so any visitor to the town should
check in advance to see what plays are being presented in any of the three
theaters in the area.