Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire is the birthplace of William Shakespeare. This town is located in south-central section of England and lies on the River Avon. This town is part of the district of Stratford-on-Avon. The district uses the word on as opposed to the word upon used by the town; this implies that the district covers a larger area. Among its residents Stratford-upon-Avon is referred to simply as Stratford. This can be confusing, since there is a Stratford, near London.
Stratford-upon-Avon Memorial Theatre
The fact that William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon creates a huge attraction and consequently massive tourism industry. As a result of this attraction the town witnesses the visit of 3 million tourists a year. Besides tourism the city’s economy is also based on manufacturing, including boatbuilding. The Internet and computers has also had a major influence 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.
A gentleman by the name of David Garrick built the first theater in the town in 1769. This was a simple wooden structure and was a temporary theater that Garrick had erected to display theatrical productions. Garrick had a major effect on the theater and was an actor, playwright, manager and producer. Perhaps his most memorable accomplishment was his role of Richard III in William Shakespeare’s play. Derek also had a major effect on the country and when he died his service was conducted at Westminster’s Abbey and his burial was 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.
You cannot go anywhere in this city without seeing some indication that Shakespeare once lived here. In fact there are five houses relating to Shakespeare’s life, including the Anne Hathaway cottage, Hall. ’s Croft and Nash. ’s house. Another reminder of Shakespeare within the city is the Holy Trinity Church where he was baptized and is buried. The most popular non-Shakespearean tourist attraction is the Stratford butterfly Farm.
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