Shakespeare's Birthplace grounds

Description of this historic site

A 19th century formal garden, of interest as an early attempt to recreate a "Shakespearian" garden. It is associated with the Shakespeare's birthplace in Stratford upon Avon.

Notes about this historic site

1 Walled formal garden to north of Shakespeare’s Birthplace, which site was bought by the Shakespeare Birthplace Committee in 1847. 19th century illustrations show layout, similar to today. Features include topiary, Shakespearian plants, mulberry, cedar, yew hedges, all probably c1865. Recommended for addition to Parks and Gardens Register.
2 Garden of interest because it shows what the Victorians of the 1850s felt was an appropriate setting for the building.
3 The only one of three major Shakespearian sites in Stratford not yet on the Parks & Gardens Register, this site is significant as one of the earliest attempts to recreate a 16th century style garden. Neighbouring properties were demolished in the 19th century to create a dignified setting. Shakespeare’s father’s plot had been a large one (it was subdivided in Shakespeare’s lifetime), though it was a glover’s yard [plot history included]. The Shakespeare’s Birthplace Committee was formed when the land came up for sale in 1847; the house was restored and a garden laid out between 1847 and c1858. The garden is simple in plan, with features including gravel walks, herbaceous borders, specimen trees and hedges and topiary work. Considerable documentary evidence for the site’s development is held by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. [Photographs included].
4 Garden visible on OS 1:10560 1886 Sht Warks 44NW.