Shakespeare was both baptised and buried in Holy Trinity Church, on the Banks of the Avon. The priviledge of burial within the church arose not from his fame as a playwright but from the fact that he owned a share of the the tithe income privileges, bought for £440, when Henry VIII abolished the College of Cardinals in Britain. With the priviledge came the duty of employing a priest and looking after the Chancel as well as the right of burial there. His wife, Ann Hathaway, daughter Susanna, son-in-law Dr John Hall and Thomas Nash (first husband of his grandaughter Elizabeth) are buried beside him.
The church dates from the early 13th century and it is likely that a wooden church existed on the site as early as the 9th century. Organ music was played here before the reformation, but the magnificent organ pictured here was built and rebuilt from 1841 all the way up to 1991.
Visiting Holy Trinity Church
- The Church is open to the public during fixed hours but subject to closure for weddings, funerals and special events. Scheduled closures are listed on the Holy Trinity website.
- Normal visiting hours are:
- March and October, Monday to Saturday - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday - 12:30 to 5 p.m.
- April to September, Monday to Saturday - 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, 12:30 to 5 p.m.
- November to February, Monday to Saturday - 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday - 12:30 to 5 p.m.
- Last Admission is 20 minutes before closing. Last admission 20 mins before closing.
- There is a £1.50 charge (50 pence for students) for visiting Shakespeare's grave.