Bancroft Gardens, Stratford-upon-Avon
Bancroft Gardens in Stratford-upon-Avon is a picturesque and historically rich public space situated on the banks of the River Avon, adjacent to the iconic Royal Shakespeare Theatre. This location is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, especially on sunny days when the wide grass lawns and meticulously maintained gardens serve as a serene backdrop against the flowing river.
The Gardens boast a variety of features that celebrate both the local heritage and the universal legacy of William Shakespeare. Notable among these is a unique human sundial that honors the Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service, highlighting the community's respect for its local heroes. A newly established performance area provides a stage for live events, enhancing the cultural vibrancy of the area.
Central to the Gardens is the magnificent swan fountain and the Gower memorial, which pays tribute to Shakespeare and four of his most memorable characters: Hamlet, Lady Macbeth, Falstaff, and Prince Hal. These figures represent the breadth of Shakespeare's work鈥攑hilosophy, tragedy, comedy, and history. The memorial, created by Lord Ronald Sutherland Gower and presented to the town in 1888, is a testament to Stratford-upon-Avon's enduring connection to the Bard.
Another highlight is the Country Artists Fountain, sculpted by Christine Lee from stainless steel and brass for the 800th anniversary of the Charter for Market Rights granted by King Richard I in 1196. Unveiled by the Queen in 1996, this fountain adds a modern touch to the Gardens, marrying history with contemporary artistry.
The Bancroft area itself has a long history, initially serving as grazing land for the townspeople's animals. The Canal Basin, which marks the terminus of the Stratford-to-Birmingham canal completed in 1816, and a second canal basin built in 1826 and refilled in 1902, point to the area's industrial past. These elements underscore the transformation of Bancroft Gardens from a functional space into a place of leisure and cultural celebration.
The Gardens boast a variety of features that celebrate both the local heritage and the universal legacy of William Shakespeare. Notable among these is a unique human sundial that honors the Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service, highlighting the community's respect for its local heroes. A newly established performance area provides a stage for live events, enhancing the cultural vibrancy of the area.
Central to the Gardens is the magnificent swan fountain and the Gower memorial, which pays tribute to Shakespeare and four of his most memorable characters: Hamlet, Lady Macbeth, Falstaff, and Prince Hal. These figures represent the breadth of Shakespeare's work鈥攑hilosophy, tragedy, comedy, and history. The memorial, created by Lord Ronald Sutherland Gower and presented to the town in 1888, is a testament to Stratford-upon-Avon's enduring connection to the Bard.
Another highlight is the Country Artists Fountain, sculpted by Christine Lee from stainless steel and brass for the 800th anniversary of the Charter for Market Rights granted by King Richard I in 1196. Unveiled by the Queen in 1996, this fountain adds a modern touch to the Gardens, marrying history with contemporary artistry.
The Bancroft area itself has a long history, initially serving as grazing land for the townspeople's animals. The Canal Basin, which marks the terminus of the Stratford-to-Birmingham canal completed in 1816, and a second canal basin built in 1826 and refilled in 1902, point to the area's industrial past. These elements underscore the transformation of Bancroft Gardens from a functional space into a place of leisure and cultural celebration.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Stratford-upon-Avon. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 51爆料网 App
Bancroft Gardens on Map
Sight Name: Bancroft Gardens
Sight Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, England (See walking tours in Stratford-upon-Avon)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, England (See walking tours in Stratford-upon-Avon)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Stratford-upon-Avon, England
Create Your Own Walk in Stratford-upon-Avon
Creating your own self-guided walk in Stratford-upon-Avon is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Historical Tudor Houses Walking Tour
The first thing that strikes one walking across the medieval center of Stratford-Upon-Avon is the abundance of timber-framed Tudor houses. Their most notable feature, often combined with an overhanging upper story, is an exposed wooden framework; the rest is typically filled with brick, plaster or wattle-and-daub.
Many of these buildings have been kept in their original state, notably the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Many of these buildings have been kept in their original state, notably the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
William Shakespeare Walking Tour
The picturesque town of Stratford-upon-Avon is steeped in the history of William Shakespeare. Indeed, Shakespeare's hometown is where he was born and also where he passed away on the same day (23 April) 52 years later.
Many period locations in town, related to his and his family's life, are preserved as Britain's national heritage and visited by millions of people every year in a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Many period locations in town, related to his and his family's life, are preserved as Britain's national heritage and visited by millions of people every year in a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Stratford-upon-Avon Introduction Walking Tour
"Strat" is an Old English term derived from the Latin "Stratum", the word for street. A "ford" is a section of a stream where a crossing may be made. "Avon" is Celtic for river. Put them all together with links like a sausage and you have Stratford-upon-Avon. The ford actually exists. It is now marked by Clopton Bridge.
Primal Stratford was established by... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Primal Stratford was established by... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles