Shakespeare’s Schoolroom – Stratford upon Avon

While I was in Stratford upon Avon recently to see a Shakespeare play I came across a leaflet stating that tours were being offered around Shakespeare’s old school, King Edward VI School in the heart of the town. I made an impromptu visit, eager to enjoy the chance to look around.

2015_0530EdwardVI01
Entrance to the building on Church Street

I was given a tour by a very pleasant and polite pupil of the school (feeling incredibly old as I write that). The building incorporates the 16th century Upper and Lower Guildhall, still used today. The school itself is still going and it is a state school, not a private school, as I’d thought at first. Shakespeare attended this school, then Stratford Grammar School, between the ages of approximately 7 and 14.

The Lower Guildhall

2015_0530EdwardVI03
Wall paintings can still be seen
2015_0530EdwardVI06
From the back
2015_0530EdwardVI08
Way in from the back

The Upper Guildhall

2015_0530EdwardVI09
More “hidden” pictures are just visible on the wall
2015_0530EdwardVI11
Table around which Guild members would have sat
2015_0530EdwardVI12
The schoolroom, where Shakespeare would have received his education

2015_0530EdwardVI13

2015_0530EdwardVI16
This pane of glass was kept when the rest was replaced, as it may bear William Shakespeare’s signature

The school was raising money for a forthcoming performance of John Ford’s The Lady’s Trial at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse in London (the Jacobean playhouse at the Globe Theatre). I wish them the best of luck with their production.