London is famous for many things, but one of the best gifts the city ever gave to the world was the famous bard William Shakespeare.
Although he was not born in the capital, he produced all of his best work here, and the city has become synonymous with the playwright.
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Let’s take a look at the best places in the city where you can walk in the footsteps of William Shakespeare himself.
Shakespeare’s Globe
The Globe Theatre is a gorgeous reconstruction of the original theatre where Shakespeare’s plays were first performed in the 16th and 17th centuries. Several of the original building techniques were imitated and the effect is truly staggering.
Located in Bankside, near the original site of the theatre, Shakespeare’s Globe offers visitors the opportunity to experience Shakespeare’s plays in an authentic Elizabethan setting.
The theatre hosts productions throughout the year, as well as guided tours and exhibitions that explore the history of the Globe and its role in the theatrical world of Shakespeare’s time.
Shakespeare’s Birthplace
Located in Stratford-upon-Avon, about two hours by train from London, Shakespeare’s Birthplace is a must-visit destination for fans of the playwright.
The house where Shakespeare was born and grew up is now a museum that offers visitors a glimpse into the life and times of the Bard. The museum contains a collection of rare books, manuscripts, and artworks, as well as the room where Shakespeare was born.
Visitors can also explore the gardens and grounds surrounding the house, which are designed to reflect the Tudor era.
The British Library
The British Library is home to one of the largest collections of Shakespeare’s works in the world, including the First Folio, a collection of Shakespeare’s plays published in 1623, seven years after his death.
The library also houses manuscripts and documents related to Shakespeare’s life and works, including a letter in which he asks a friend for a loan to buy a house in London.
The Rose Theatre
The Rose Theatre was the first purpose-built theatre in London and was the site of many of Shakespeare’s early plays. Although the original theatre no longer stands, an archaeological excavation of the site uncovered the foundations of the theatre and other artefacts from the era.
Visitors to the site can take guided tours and learn about the history of the Rose and its role in the development of theatre in London.
The National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery contains several portraits of Shakespeare, including the famous Chandos portrait, which is believed to be the only surviving portrait painted during the playwright’s lifetime.
The gallery also houses portraits of Shakespeare’s contemporaries, as well as later artists who were inspired by his work.
Westminster Abbey
Although not specifically a Shakespeare attraction, Westminster Abbey is the final resting place of many famous British writers, including Chaucer, Dickens, and Tennyson.
Shakespeare himself is not buried in the Abbey, but a memorial statue was erected in his honour in 1740, over 100 years after his death.
The statue depicts Shakespeare holding a quill and a scroll and is one of the most iconic images of the playwright.
The Victoria and Albert Museum
The Victoria and Albert Museum has a collection of Shakespearean artefacts, including costumes and set designs from productions of his plays. You’ll be able to experience the feeling that excited patrons of the Globe felt at the debut of a new play!
The museum also hosts exhibitions related to Shakespeare, such as a recent exhibit that explored the history of Shakespeare in popular culture.
The Royal Shakespeare Company
Although not located in London, the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) is one of the most important institutions in the world of Shakespeare.
Based in Stratford-upon-Avon, the RSC is a theatre company dedicated to producing and promoting Shakespeare’s plays.
The company performs in several venues, including the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and the Swan Theatre. The RSC also offers workshops and educational programs for students and theatre professionals.
The Hunterian Museum
The Hunterian Museum at the Royal College of Surgeons has an unusual and fascinatingly macabre connection to Shakespeare.
The museum houses the skull of John Fletcher, a playwright who collaborated with Shakespeare on several plays. Some historians believe that the skull may have been used as a prop in productions of Hamlet, where the character holds the skull of Yorick.
The Sam Wanamaker Playhouse
Located next to Shakespeare’s Globe, the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse is an indoor theatre that specialises in producing plays from Shakespeare’s time.
The intimate space, with its candlelit atmosphere, provides a unique setting for experiencing Shakespeare’s plays and other works from the Jacobean era.
London Bridge
Back in 1209 London Bridge was the only way to cross the Thames was via London Bridge.
It connected the north and south banks and became one of the most important streets in the city.
In fact, it was a living bridge, with many houses, shops, pubs and a very strong community.
Visitors to London in modern Britain will be disappointed with the ‘bland’ nature of the bridge, but it is important to remember that it’s one of the most historical bridges in the city and has a fascinating story.
Southwark Cathedral
Not only is Southwark Cathedral an architectural gem, but it was also an important part of William Shakespeare’s life.
During The Bard’s peak, many of his plays were shown at the wonderful Globe Theatre on the south bank of the Thames. Southwark Cathedral was actually Shakespeare’s church and he attended regularly with his brother.
If you visit the church today you’ll find stained glass windows dedicated to the Bard, a statue, and his brother Edmund was actually laid to rest in the graveyard outside.
Shakespeare’s London
So there you have it, the best Shakespeare hotspots in the city.
Learn about the life of the world famous bard, walk the streets he walked, attend shows of his plays and experience the wonders of his works.
Don’t let your time in one of the best boutique hotels in West End London go to waste- experience the genius of Shakespeare in London.
