Stratford-upon-Avon

So, this happened:

Pretty disturbing gaze, eh? It's Lady Macbeth from the Gower Memorial in Stratford-upon-Avon and has been around since 1888. There's also a Hamlet, a Falstaff and a Prince Hal. I'll get to that.

On our third day in England, we left Northampton for Stratford-upon-Avon. This was a part of the trip I'd been looking forward to immensely. I've been reading and watching a lot of Shakespeare this year and had tickets purchased for the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of Henry IV Part 1. In the end, this would be a favourite part of the trip for all of us and the place we all agreed we'd most like to go back and spend a week.

Stratford was cool and fun and contemplative and very cultural. The Royal Shakespeare Company is utterly brilliant.

Information about the Gower Memorial:

The memorial consists or a central sculpture of William Shakespeare and 4 surrounding figures:

Lady Macbeth

Hamlet

Falstaff

Prince Hal

The monument itself is very imposing, although unfortunately the local pigeon's haven't been sufficiently respectful of Stratford's favourite son.

Lady Macbeth

Hamlet

Falstaff

Prince Hal

The Gower Memorial is now positioned alongside the River Avon. It's a placid river, with a variety of boats on it. You can buy food on a riverboat:

You can rent a paddleboat...

Though I'd think twice about renting this one.

Also situated along the Avon is the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Inside, from our seats for Henry IV Part 1

I'm really curious what use the RSC has for THIS entrance...

A view of the Avon from the RSC during intermission.

Walking the streets of Stratford after a brilliant performance.

A little further down the river, you'll find the Holy Trinity Church, where the Bard was baptized and where his mortal remains lie.