Shakespeare Birthplace Trust: what groups can expect

Tell us about your role

I’ve been at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust for eight years and in that time my role has evolved into head of commercial. I have responsibility for many of the trust’s revenue generating activities including our groups visitor offers, retail ranges, special events and the development of our hospitality offer including our newly reopened garden café at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage.

Is there a part of the visitor experience you particularly love?

Having studied history at university, I love the opportunity to walk (and work) in the footsteps of Shakespeare, his family and those who have followed them since.

When you visit the Shakespeare family homes, this is especially brought to life through the guides, their knowledge and the fascinating stories they have to tell.

Can you tell us a fun fact about Shakespeare’s Birthplace?

Shakespeare’s Birthplace was put up for auction in 1847 and P.T. Barnum the famous American business and showman, was keen to buy it, dismantle it and ship it over to the United States. Various fundraisers, including Charles Dickens, were keen to keep it in the country for the nation’s benefit, and they succeeded in securing it for the nation at a nail-biting auction.

It was bought for the princely sum of £3,000. Maybe that was the first recorded crowd funding of its kind.

What’s the quirkiest thing for groups to see?

Possibly the ‘Shakespeare window’ at Shakespeare’s Birthplace. It is a wonderful monument to the pilgrimage of the many visitors – including Sir Walter Scott and Ellen Terry - who in the early days used to autograph the window using a diamond ring.

Vandalism by any other name, it definitely wouldn’t be allowed today!

For anyone that’s never been before, what would you say to tempt them into a visit?

Come and wander through the houses and gardens and soak up the atmosphere. Our guides are renowned for bringing the homes to life with stories of everyday life in the Tudor times. Just imagine yourself walking in Shakespeare’s footsteps.

When is the best time for groups to visit?

Each season brings out a different aspect of the houses – early morning and later in the afternoons are quieter as a rule but we work with all our group bookers to try and ensure the best experience for all customers.

Is there anything coming up that you’re particularly excited about?

This year we’ll be entering the second of a three-year themed programme, The Women who made Shakespeare. We will be celebrating the women in Shakespeare’s life, from his relatives and neighbours to the characters that he brought so vividly to life in his plays.