Gower Memorial
by Jenniflower
This is quite a large and comical memorial statue!
I have put this particular part of the statue as the main picture as it is quite comical.. it shows a figure picking his nose in true Shakesperian fashion! :)
The next photo shows the memorial in it's entirety and then the other three show three more figures, Shakespeare (sitting on the top of the memorial) being one of them. and the other two, characters out of his plays.
The characters shown are Hamlet (Philosophy), Prince Hal (History), Falstaff (Comedy) and Lady Macbeth (Tragedy). The figures are in bronze and have superb facial expressions and gestures.
It stands in Bancroft Gardens, by the barges, and was presented to the town by Lord Ronald Sutherland Gower, in 1888.
On it, as is the way of the majority of the statues and fountains found in Stratford-upon-Avon, is a quote from one of Shakespeare's plays:
'Consideration like an angel came, and whipt the offending adam out of him'
A delightful memorial statue indeed!
Amazing doors and knockers!
by Jenniflower
I have had this fascination for doors and knockers for many years!
The door could be modern and hi-tech, or ancient and falling apart, whether in a museum or a ruin, if it has character and something 'different' about it, then I am intrigued. Stratford-upon-Avon did not disappoint here.
There were so many doors that are absolutely seeping with character and a 'story' here! Many of them are small and one has to bow one's head a bit to get in. Trinity Cathedral also had this, even I, who am a shorty, had to bend down a bit to enter! The small door was part of a huge door though.
All-in-all, a very enjoyable time was had here, and I was well pleased with the doors and knockers and history!
Holy Trinity Church 1: the angels.
by leics
You'll almost certainly go to Holy Trinity Church to see Shakespeare's grave.
The existing church dates from 1210.
As you walk down the aisle, look at the angels carved a little way up each pillar (probably from the 15th century, maybe earlier). Mostly Medieval carvings, each one a little bit different, each one expressing the creativity and imagination of the master mason who created it.
Just ordinary working men (masons were always men), probably illiterate, but gifted with great skill.
It's worth taking a moment to appreciate their work.
Holy Trinity Church 4: the sanctuary knocker.
by leics
Easy to miss this: it's on the door to the main entrance.
There is a small door-with-a-door, and on it is the knocker in the photo. It dates from the 13th century (the door itself is from the 15th).
It's proper name is a 'sanctuary ring'. Anyone running or hiding from the law (or the 'hue and cry') could 'claim sanctuary' (protection) from the church if he/she reached this knocker. This meant he/she could stay safely within the church for up to 37 days.
I wonder how often it was used. It would certainly have some sad tales to tell, if it could speak.
Carriage rides
by lou31
This looked like a fun thing to do. I saw this carriage quite a bit and it added a nice touch to the atmosphere. I didn't get a chance to take a ride but I did ask the man the cost... I think it was about 10 pound.
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Queen Victoria's Jubilee monument
Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon
Grammar School almshouses
Terrace tables
