Shakespeare's Schoolroom & Guildhall
Shakespeare's Schoolroom & Guildhall
Visit the great Bard of Stratford-upon-Avon's own classroom where William Shakespeare was taught and garnered inspiration for his plays and sonnets. Find out about Shakespeare's own childhood and education, including how he may have played female characters in class plays!
Coupled with a visit to Stratford's ancient Guildhall and an innovative learning programme, this is a great place to start a day-long visit to Shakespeare's Stratford.
Activities for school parties include:
• Guided tour (if pre-booked) with a knowledgeable volunteer guide
• Short film by historian and broadcaster, Michael Wood, on the history of what he calls “one of the most atmospheric, magical and important buildings in the whole of Britain”
• Lesson with a Tudor Schoolmaster (if pre-booked, otherwise subject to availability)
• Quill writing session
• Dressing up in Tudor Master costume for photos
• Tudor games
• Interpretation of medieval wall paintings, the Court of record & Stratford’s Guildhall
There is a small retail area selling "pocket money" items.
See also Stratford Guildhall & Guild Chapel
Following a £1.8 million restoration, we opened our doors to the public for the first time on 23rd April 2016, the 400th anniversary of the death of the Schoolroom’s most famous former pupil. As the place where William Shakespeare spent his school years and first experienced theatre, the Guildhall and Schoolroom has been described as “one of the most atmospheric, magical and important buildings in the whole of Britain” by historian and broadcaster, Michael Wood.
Visitors are invited to explore one of the rarely seen places of Shakespeare’s childhood and youth, a place that helps to fill the missing chapter in the story of his time in Stratford. The newly-restored venue offers a glimpse into Shakespeare’s formative years and sheds light on his time as a schoolboy, during which he encountered the riches of classical literature and theatre and saw some of the country’s finest actors perform in the Guildhall building. The authentic and immersive experience of a visit to this early fifteenth-century building fully engages our visitors in its unique story.
