The earliest records of inhabitants in the area now known as Stratford-Upon-Avon date back to the Bronze Age, however it wasn't until Saxon time that it got the name that we all know today. The name Stratford-Upon-Avon literally means where a road crosses a river (Avon) by a ford (Strat-ford).
In 1196 following the clearing of the nearby Forest of Arden for agricultural use a charter was obtained from King Richard I for a weekly market selling the produce. It was the growth of this market that brought the town into existence.
The last remaining reminder of the frequent medieval fairs in Stratford is the Mop, which takes place on the 12th of October each year and was historically where the local workers where hired. These days it is a riot of stalls and fair rides which attracts a huge turn out from locals and visitors from further a field. To see more about the Mop click here.
Stratford is probably most famous for being the birthplace of William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616) the world famous playwright. Shakespeare was born in a house on Henley Street and was both Christened, and 52 years later buried, at the Church of the Holy Trinity. Almost unbelievably now, when you look at the packed streets of the town bustling with tourists, the population of Stratford was only around 2,000 people when Shakespeare was born. (For more about the life and works of Shakespeare click here).
In modern times Stratford has grown to be one of England's most popular tourist destinations with hundreds of thousands of tourists visiting every year. We may be biased here at the Stratford guide but looking around the town it's not difficult to see why. The river Avon provides beauty, wildlife and the opportunity to row your loved one down past the Holy Trinity church or the magnificent houses that line the river. The town boasts some fantastic hotels and restaurants catering for all tastes. Some award winning tea rooms to indulge in a cream tea while you watch the world go by, or to take a restful break from visiting some of the fantastic range of shops.
If all that wasn't enough you have the history with all of Shakespeares houses and gardens to see and the fantastic range of theatres where you can see his work as it was meant to be seen.
