Holy Trinity, Stratford, on the banks of the River Avon, is probably England's most-visited Parish Church. William Shakespeare was born on 23 April (St. George's Day) 1564, and died on the same day in 1616. Or at least, so it is alleged.

No records of births and deaths were made in those days. However there are records of his baptism on and of his burial. Both these events took place in Holy Trinity Church. It can be fairly safely assumed that he worshipped here as a boy and young man, and again after he retired to his home town.

Shakespeare's wife, Ann Hathaway, daughter and son-in-law granddaughter and her husband are buried alongside him. A memorial was erected within a few years of his death, during Ann's lifetime, and is therefore thought to be a good likeness. The sun-tanned countenance is said to be quite genuine. He gets a new quill each year for his birthday!

Hundreds of thousands of visitors come each year to visit his grave.

Harvard House, Stratford

One of the few attractions in Stratford-upon-Avon not related to William Shakespeare, Harvard House is of particular interest to American visitors to the town.

This is because this house is the ancestral home of John Harvard, founder of America's most famous University. John's mother, Catherine Rogers, grew up here, although John himself grew up in Southwark.

In 1909 the house was bought by a wealthy American businessman who then gave it to Harvard University, who still own it today.

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