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Stratford-upon-Avon - Warwickshire Is A Major Tourist Destination As A Result Of William Shakespeare

Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire is the birthplace of William Shakespeare. This town is located in south-central section of England and lies on the River Avon. This town is part of the district of Stratford-on-Avon. The district uses the word on as opposed to the word upon used by the town; this implies that the district covers a larger area. Among its residents Stratford-upon-Avon is referred to simply as Stratford. This can be confusing, since there is a Stratford, near London.

This cities industry is predominately funded through tourism as a result of the theater and its native son. Approximately 3,000,000 visitors a year come to the city in search of a bit of William Shakespeare’s history. Along with tourism the other major industries are in or around manufacturing. Another major effect on the economy in recent times is the technological age and affiliated businesses.

Stratford. ’s heritage developed around the fact that it is a market town and has been since medieval times. In fact the name comes from the Words Street and Ford, which means a Roman road which bordered the River Avon at the location of the town. Besides being a market town it obviously owes a large portion of its fame to William Shakespeare. The theater has played a major role in the history of Stratford for centuries.

The first theater built in the city was a wooden structure erected in 1769 by David Garrick. Garrick was an actor, playwright and theater manager and producer who had a great effect on all aspects of theater throughout the 1700s. Garrick is probably most famous for his appearance as Richard the third in Shakespeare’s play by the same name. Garrick earned a great name a result of his contribution to the theater and was provided with a lavish public funeral upon his death. It was conducted at Westminster. ’s Abbey and Garrick is buried in Poets Corner.

Garrick Theatre was located within close proximity to where the Royal Shakespeare Theatre now sits. As a result of the theater and Shakespeare’s contribution the major portion of tourist traffic is centered on the theater and Shakespeare’s birthplace. The first theater built in the city that was dedicated to Shakespeare’s memory was erected to celebrate the 300th anniversary of Shakespeare’s birthday. This occurred in’64 and the structure was a temporary wooden structure. In’70 land was donated for the purpose of creating a permanent Theater in the memory of Shakespeare. The Memorial Theater was completed in’79 and was a huge success.

While this theater burnt down in’26 it was later replaced in’32. The Swan Theater was later created in the’80s of the remains of the shell of the original Memorial Theater. This theater is today one of the finest acting spaces in all of the United Kingdom. The theater still has a major role in tourism today and in fact was refurbished in 2006. The theater is just one of many attractions within the city that brings in millions of tourists every 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.

For accommodation in Stratford-upon-Avon check this list of Stratford-upon-Avon hotels.

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