© Sam Allard for the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust
Groups visiting Stratford-upon-Avon are invited to see Shakespeare’s Birthplace in a new light with an exclusive series of intimate Candlelit tours of the historic house.
This festive season, groups are invited to experience Christmas as the Shakespeare family may have done in the Tudor period with special Candlelit tours of the 16th-century building on Henley Street.
‘’During Shakespeare’s childhood, Christmas, also known as Christmastide, was celebrated over 12 days, beginning on 25 December, ending on the Twelfth Night, 6 January. For Shakespeare and his loved ones, the 12 days were filled with social activities, such as carol singing, dancing and games. Popular games played during the festive season included Blind Man’s Buff and Hide-and-Seek – games many still play today.’’
Commented Emily White, Curator at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust (SBT).
Upon arrival, visitors will be transported back in time as the building where young Shakespeare celebrated Christmas with his parents and siblings, will be dressed in traditional decorations suitable for the season, including greenery garlands of ivy and holly, and mistletoe.
The decorations will be in place from Tuesday 12 November until Twelfth Night, Monday 6 January, signalling the end of the festive period.
‘’As with festivities today, a Tudor Christmas saw traditional decorations such as mistletoe, ivy and yew displayed in family homes. In some households you may have been lucky enough to smell aromas of mace, nutmeg and cinnamon as you walked through the front door.
‘’However, one significant difference from celebrations today is that there were no Christmas trees during Shakespeare’s childhood.’’
Added Emily.
Step Back in Time at Shakespeare’s Birthplace
From the moment they arrive, groups will be immersed in the traditions of a Tudor and Jacobean Christmas as they are guided through the Birthplace after dark, under the magic of candlelight, just as it would have been during Shakespeare’s lifetime.
© Sam Allard for the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust
To start the intimate tour experience, guests will be greeted in the exhibition space by a costumed guide who will welcome them in with a warming drink of mulled wine. To enhance the cheerful atmosphere, visitors can enjoy live music provided by players from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire who will be playing Tudor-inspired music in the welcome area.
Throughout the tour of the timber-framed building, visitors will carry LED candles, as they are led through by costumed guides. Guests will learn about the array of festive traditions of the Tudor and Jacobean period and the fascinating history of the famous building.
Finally, visitors will round off their evening, enjoying exclusive festive-inspired retail therapy at the iconic Birthplace Shop. Visitors are invited to indulge in tasters of the SBT’s exquisite, locally produced gifts including its new signature edition Shakespeare Gin, wines, chutneys and much more.
‘’Following the success of previous years, we are so excited to be bringing back our Candlelit tours exclusively for groups. The special tour offers a great opportunity for our visitors to learn all about the fascinating traditions of a Tudor and Jacobean Christmas, and how they differ from today.
‘’Whether you are visiting during the day to learn about age-old festive traditions or are wanting to explore the historic house after hours, we invite all groups to join us in making magical memories this Christmas.’’
Added Rachael North, Director of Museum and Public Programmes.
Candlelit Christmas Tours at Shakespeare’s Birthplace are available throughout November and December 2024. Group bookings are on a first-come, first-served basis based on availability.
For more information and to book please contact groups@shakespeare.org.uk.
