Natalie-Upon-Avon

A very quick update, as I'm tired and need my sleep before I start work tomorrow! This afternoon I visited Shakespeare's birthplace. It's the house where he was born and grew up, where his father had a gloving and wool business, and where he opened an inn for a brief while after his father's death. It was really lovely to see (we weren't allowed to take pictures, sorry!) and about 70% of the house is original, including the stone floor in the parlor and much of the beam work. Amazing! The gardens out back are lovely, but not original. There used to be a large stove, tanning hut, etc. out back.

Next was a walk down to Hall's Croft, where Shakespeare's daughter Susanna and her husband Dr. Hall lived. It was much less crowded though equally interesting as an example of a later style home. There was a neat little exhibit on medical practice of the day and another gorgeous garden out back where I ate lunch (a cheese and tomato toastie!)

After that, I caught the last 30 mins of open visiting at Holy Trinity Church, where Shakespeare was baptized and buried. It was really gorgeous. There were some girls visiting who looked at the grave and shrugged and one said "he was just a man". True, but if you're in the theatre, he really is sort of a god! hehe

My last stop of the day was the Stratford Brass Rubbing Centre where you can pay a few pounds to make a brass rubbing of a replica of an ancient brass plate. It was relaxing and fun to color for a bit. And then it was home to enjoy my ready-made Yorkshire Pudding, some cider, and finally up to bed.

Night all!
More photos are on facebook :)

<3 Nat