Shakespeare's Schoolroom and Guildhall, Stratford-upon-Avon (must see)
Here is an interactive peek into William Shakespeare's childhood and schooling in the 16th century. The Guild of the Holy Cross built the Guildhall in 1420. Over the years more buildings were added, including a schoolhouse, a Chapel and Almshouses. The Guildhall was the headquarter of the Stratford Borough Council from 1553 and 1848.
When the Borough Council left for new digs at the Town Hall, they left the building to the school. The school, known as The King's New school, had been in the Guildhall since 1568. It later became the King Edward VI School (K.E.S.). Three years later seven-year-old William Shakespeare attended his first class. One may assume it was writing.
The school has been in continuous use by the local people since it first opened. The Guildhall has always been used and looked after and never neglected. Not only local students may study here, the school is also open to tourists. They may take an interactive class with William Shakespeare's teacher, Master Thomas Jenkins.
Adjoining the Guildhall is the Armoury. It was originally used a store place for arms, but after 1553 it became an administration center for the school. It also served as courtroom. On the first floor is the Master's chamber. In the center of the chamber is the prefect's table, bearing the names and initials of schoolboys through the years.
Students were mostly the children of wealthy middle class people. Williams' father, for instance, was the bailiff for the town. It was a public school and an entrance exam was required. Students did not pay fees, but they did have to provide their own firewood and candles. Classes frequently went from 6 am to 6 pm. There was a brief midday break.
Why You Should Visit:
to experience a bit how education used to be.
Tips:
When using the feather quill, be wary of ink blots.
When the Borough Council left for new digs at the Town Hall, they left the building to the school. The school, known as The King's New school, had been in the Guildhall since 1568. It later became the King Edward VI School (K.E.S.). Three years later seven-year-old William Shakespeare attended his first class. One may assume it was writing.
The school has been in continuous use by the local people since it first opened. The Guildhall has always been used and looked after and never neglected. Not only local students may study here, the school is also open to tourists. They may take an interactive class with William Shakespeare's teacher, Master Thomas Jenkins.
Adjoining the Guildhall is the Armoury. It was originally used a store place for arms, but after 1553 it became an administration center for the school. It also served as courtroom. On the first floor is the Master's chamber. In the center of the chamber is the prefect's table, bearing the names and initials of schoolboys through the years.
Students were mostly the children of wealthy middle class people. Williams' father, for instance, was the bailiff for the town. It was a public school and an entrance exam was required. Students did not pay fees, but they did have to provide their own firewood and candles. Classes frequently went from 6 am to 6 pm. There was a brief midday break.
Why You Should Visit:
to experience a bit how education used to be.
Tips:
When using the feather quill, be wary of ink blots.
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.
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Shakespeare's Schoolroom and Guildhall on Map
Sight Name: Shakespeare's Schoolroom and Guildhall
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
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
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