Shakespeare's father John was a man of substance who worked as a glover, a lucrative trade in Tudor times. The house on Henley Street, authentically furnished and hung with richly colored cloths, reflects his position during Shakespeare's childhood. His glover's workshop has been recreated in the house.
The house, where Shakespeare also spent the early years of his married life with Anne Hathaway, has been a visitor attraction for more than 250 years. A guest book records such distinguished visitors as Charles Dickens, John Keats, Walter Scott and Thomas Hardy.
An exhibition, next door, has rare artifacts of the period as well as a copy of the first folio of his plays, published in 1623.
Visit Shakespeare's Birthplace, then spend the rest of the morning exploring Stratford-upon-Avon's historic streets.