Celebrate The 400th Anniversary of William Shakespeare’s Death

William Shakespeare, the Bard, the greatest playwright of all time… however you regard the British writer, his impact on modern-day culture is everywhere, from his likeness to contemporary interpretations of his work. This year, 2016, marks the 400^th anniversary of his death and performances of his great plays are being mounted across the world and in his home country.

Start by visiting Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon, where he was born, raised and then lived with his wife, Anne Hathaway. A new exhibit at his home chronicles his extended relationships with friends and family.

His birthday weekend will be celebrated over the weekend of April 23–24 (Shakespeare was born and died on April 23). The celebration will start at the town hall before winding its way through the town and past the playwright’s home before arriving at his burial site at Holy Trinity Church.

Guests to Stratford-upon-Avon this summer will get to experience New Place, the home where Shakespeare lived in for the last 19 years of his life. Meander through the sunken Knot Garden and the Great Garden, which survives from Shakespeare’s time. The center at his granddaughter’s nearby home details the later years of his life with a new exhibit.

You can’t leave Stratford-upon-Avon without seeing one of the Bard’s plays performed, so be sure to check the schedule for the Royal Shakespeare Company, which mounts plays throughout the year at the Royal Shakespeare Theater and the more intimate Swan Theater.

Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon © Arenaphotouk | Dreamstime