The Shakespeare trail - Zoe Bramley

It has been 400 years since William Shakespeare, the man heralded as the greatest writer in the English language and England's national poet, died. Shakespeare has made a profound mark on our culture and heritage. Yet many aspects of his life remain in the shadows, and many places throughout England have forgotten their association with him.This fascinating book takes the reader from the place of his birth at Stratford-upon-Avon all the way to London, the beating heart of Early Modern theatre-land. On the way, well-known locations such as Anne Hathaway's cottage and the Globe Theatre are uncovered, but also some surprising nooks and crannies in a place Shakespeare knew well - the old City of London. Included among the locations are Coughton Cross in the Forest of Arden, Kenilworth Castle, Rufford Old Hall and Middle Temple Hall, where the first recorded performance of Twelfth Night took place. Packed with walking tours, visitor information, maps and photographs, The Shakespeare Trail will open the door to Will from Stratford by guiding you to the places he knew and showing how we follow in his footsteps, and the footsteps of his characters, sometimes without even realising it.