Reverend Francis Gastrell demolished the house in 1759, specifically to stop paying local taxes and to discourage Shakespeare enthusiasts from trespassing on his property.
Archaeological excavations conducted in 2010 revealed evidence of the original Tudor foundation and traces of a large kitchen complex.
The Mulberry Tree currently on the site is a descendant of one allegedly planted by Shakespeare himself.
The property is the largest of the five Shakespeare family homes located in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Modern bronze sculptures, including a set of 'Shakespeare Chairs', are positioned where rooms of the house once stood.
Shakespeare's New Place is the site where William Shakespeare lived from 1597 until his death in 1616. The original house was demolished in 1759 by Reverend Francis Gastrell, who was reportedly frustrated by tourists. The current site is managed by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and functions as an outdoor exhibition space rather than a reconstructed house. Visitors walk through landscaped gardens that mark the footprint of the original mansion. Large-scale contemporary sculptures are installed throughout the grounds to represent aspects of Shakespeare’s life and works. A permanent exhibition inside the adjacent visitor center displays archaeological finds recovered from the site. The landscape design includes a Great Garden with herbaceous borders and a sunken lawn. The property serves as a memorial to Shakespeare's status as a wealthy, established gentleman in Stratford-upon-Avon.
The elevated viewing platform in the gardens offers the best perspective of the foundation markings and the contemporary sculptures.
Use the audio guide provided by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust to better understand the site's complex architectural history.
Combine your visit with other Shakespeare properties for a comprehensive view of the playwright's life in the town.
Check the official website for scheduled outdoor performances held within the gardens during warmer months.
Do not expect to see a preserved 16th-century house, as the site focuses on the footprint and the history of the demolition.
The site is occasionally closed for private events or extreme weather conditions; check the official website for seasonal opening variations.
