Stratford-upon-Avon and the Shakespeare Country [antikvár]

 MI Shakespeare's country, with Stratford-upon-Avon as its centre, lies at the very heart of England, and no other part of the country is so rieh and varied in its appeal, so kindly in its nature and so unmistakably English in character. Stratford itself is Warwickshire's oldest market town, situated roughly mid-way along the course of the Avon. Apart from its delightful river setting, it preserves character and atmosphere, its streets and buildings displaying a remar kable continuity with its interesting past; but its claim to universal fame arises from the fact that William Shakespeare, the greatest dramatic genius of the English-speaking peoples, was born and died here. The poet's birthplace, with other buildings associated with his family, are preserved by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. No less appealing is the countryside around Shakespeare's town, with the quiet rural beauty of its farmland and villages, and the gentle charm of the larger towns such as Warwick, Royal Leamington Spa, Kenilworth and Evesham. Ali are within easy reach of the Cotswolds. In other respects Shakespeare's country breathes the spirit of the past. Ancient monuments, historié buildings and associations link it with almost every period of English history whilst its architecture refleets the best tradition of building in harmony with the countryside. Here, right in the middle of the country, locai materials and locai craftsmanship have produced fine old mansions, manor houses and country dwellings, bridges, mills, inns and churches, which have come to be an essential part of the English scene. William Shakespeare was baptised and buried in Holy Trinity Church (left) at Stratford-upon-Avon. A monument to the poet (inset) was erected in the church i within seven years of his death