Stratford-upon-Avon is perhaps known best as the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Located on the River Avon in the south-central section of England this town resides in the Stratford-on-Avon district. The district uses the word on rather than upon to indicate that it covers a larger area. Stratford-upon-Avon is known simply as Stratford to its residences. This could further be complicated by the fact that there is a Stratford in the London area.

Stratford or Stratford-upon-Avon is a major tourist city in great part as a result of its native son. There is an estimated 3 million visitors a year to the city. Consequently, tourism is a major part of the industry within the city. The remaining economy is focused around manufacturing of mechanical and electrical engineering, bicycles and boat building. The new technological age also has a major effect on the economy.

Prior to the history of William Shakespeare and the effect of the theater on the community Stratford’s origins were rooted in that of a market town. The name derives from two words that translate into street and Ford. It is believed that this derived from the fact that a Roman road bordered the river Avon in the area where the town now sits. The town grew up around this market and eventually became influenced by the theater as a direct result of William Shakespeare.

In 1759 a gentleman by the name of David Garrick built a temporary wooden theater in the city. Garrick, who was an accomplished playwright, theater manager and actor, is most famous for his portrait of the lead role in Shakespeare’s play Richard III. Garret had a major effect on many aspects of the theater and received widespread recognition. Upon his death his service was conducted at Westminster’s Abbey and he was buried in poet’s corner.

The simple wooden structure built by Garrett stood in close proximity to where the Royal Shakespeare Theatre now sits. The nucleus of the tourist industry is obviously Shakespearean theater. Many theaters have been dedicated to Shakespeare. The first one to be dedicated to his memory here was done so on the 300th anniversary of his birthday in’64. This was also a simple wooden structure. The first permanent theater to be built in town that was dedicated to his memory was done so in’79. When this theater opened its doors it was greeted with 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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categories: travel,travel and leisure