Stratford - upon-Avon in the district of Stratford-on-Avon lies on the banks of the River Avon in the south-central section of England. This town is most famous for being the place where William Shakespeare was born. A little fusion confusion stems from the name of the town. It is often confused with the name of the district which is differentiated by the word of on rather than the word upon. The basic difference is that the home sits upon the banks of the River Avon, while the district which has a larger area is along the sides of the river. While locals refer to the town has simply Stratford this can be further confused with a town near London of the same name.
Stratford or Stratford-upon-Avon is a major tourist city in great part as a result of its native son. There is an estimated 3 million visitors a year to the city. Consequently, tourism is a major part of the industry within the city. The remaining economy is focused around manufacturing of mechanical and electrical engineering, bicycles and boat building. The new technological age also has a major effect on the economy.
The origins of the cities surround that of a market town. This name derived from a Roman road that ran along the border of the river Avon, where the town now exists and originaly meant street on the ford. What was once a humble market town is now a major tourist town thanks to Shakespeare and the theater? The theater has had a major influence in the history of Stratford for centuries.
In 1759 a gentleman by the name of David Garrick built a temporary wooden theater in the city. Garrick, who was an accomplished playwright, theater manager and actor, is most famous for his portrait of the lead role in Shakespeare's play Richard III. Garret had a major effect on many aspects of the theater and received widespread recognition. Upon his death his service was conducted at Westminster's Abbey and he was buried in poet's corner.
Garrick Theatre was located within close proximity to where the Royal Shakespeare Theatre now sits. As a result of the theater and Shakespeare's contribution the major portion of tourist traffic is centered on the theater and Shakespeare's birthplace. The first theater built in the city that was dedicated to Shakespeare's memory was erected to celebrate the 300th anniversary of Shakespeare's birthday. This occurred in'64 and the structure was a temporary wooden structure. In'70 land was donated for the purpose of creating a permanent Theater in the memory of Shakespeare. The Memorial Theater was completed in'79 and was a huge success.
In'26 almost 50 years after it opened the theater was burned down and in'32 it was replaced. The shell of the original theater still exists and is now part of the Swan Theater that was built in'80. This theater gained a reputation as one of the finest in all of England. While the theater has a major role in the tourism industry it is just one aspect of the city's heritage and what attracts millions of visitors each year.
Shakespeare's life is remembered everywhere in the city with indications that he lived there. There are five homes that are connected to the life of Shakespeare and can be witnessed by tourists today. The most popular of which is probably the famous Anne Hathaway cottage. Hall's Croft and the Nash house are two other reminders of his life in the city as well. The holy Trinity Church serves as a reminder also. It was here, that William Shakespeare was baptized and buried. The Stratford butterfly Farm is perhaps the most popular non-Shakespearean tourist attraction in the city.
Stratford or Stratford-upon-Avon is a major tourist city in great part as a result of its native son. There is an estimated 3 million visitors a year to the city. Consequently, tourism is a major part of the industry within the city. The remaining economy is focused around manufacturing of mechanical and electrical engineering, bicycles and boat building. The new technological age also has a major effect on the economy.
The origins of the cities surround that of a market town. This name derived from a Roman road that ran along the border of the river Avon, where the town now exists and originaly meant street on the ford. What was once a humble market town is now a major tourist town thanks to Shakespeare and the theater? The theater has had a major influence in the history of Stratford for centuries.
In 1759 a gentleman by the name of David Garrick built a temporary wooden theater in the city. Garrick, who was an accomplished playwright, theater manager and actor, is most famous for his portrait of the lead role in Shakespeare's play Richard III. Garret had a major effect on many aspects of the theater and received widespread recognition. Upon his death his service was conducted at Westminster's Abbey and he was buried in poet's corner.
Garrick Theatre was located within close proximity to where the Royal Shakespeare Theatre now sits. As a result of the theater and Shakespeare's contribution the major portion of tourist traffic is centered on the theater and Shakespeare's birthplace. The first theater built in the city that was dedicated to Shakespeare's memory was erected to celebrate the 300th anniversary of Shakespeare's birthday. This occurred in'64 and the structure was a temporary wooden structure. In'70 land was donated for the purpose of creating a permanent Theater in the memory of Shakespeare. The Memorial Theater was completed in'79 and was a huge success.
In'26 almost 50 years after it opened the theater was burned down and in'32 it was replaced. The shell of the original theater still exists and is now part of the Swan Theater that was built in'80. This theater gained a reputation as one of the finest in all of England. While the theater has a major role in the tourism industry it is just one aspect of the city's heritage and what attracts millions of visitors each year.
Shakespeare's life is remembered everywhere in the city with indications that he lived there. There are five homes that are connected to the life of Shakespeare and can be witnessed by tourists today. The most popular of which is probably the famous Anne Hathaway cottage. Hall's Croft and the Nash house are two other reminders of his life in the city as well. The holy Trinity Church serves as a reminder also. It was here, that William Shakespeare was baptized and buried. The Stratford butterfly Farm is perhaps the most popular non-Shakespearean tourist attraction in the city.
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