Shakespeare

Join us in Stratford-upon-Avon for a Private Viewing of rarely seen original documents
including the original entry in the Parish Register of William Shakespeare’s birth and death.
We shall also see, amongst other documents, the only surviving letter
written to Shakespeare, written to him by Richard Quiney in 1598.  

We shall enjoy private visits to many of the Shakespeare venues in Stratford
with our Private Viewing of the original documents at Harvard House, now 26 High Street in the town.
Once known as the Ancient House, It was built in 1596, by Thomas Rogers,
grandfather of a founder and benefactor of Harvard University, John Harvard.

We shall also see the “Wadlow Portrait” which may well be a portrait of Shakespeare painted whilst he was alive.
There has been much controversy surrounding this painting and
we are most fortunate to be able to view it as part of this event.
Although not yet conclusive, most of the evidence would seem to suggest that
this is indeed a portrait of William Shakespeare.
Should this be proven beyond all doubt, it would surely be wonderful to see it for real
before it is put at a distance from the public.

We welcome Steven Wadlow, the owner of this picture, who will be with us at Harvard House.
The portrait was recently the subject of a Netflix film (currently UK only): THE STUFF OF DREAMS.
The trailer for this film is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-h-9Vri79Xs
The painting’s website can be accessed here: www.isthiswilliamshakespeare.com

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Here is the current schedule:

DAY ONE
All day: Arrive in Stratford-on-Avon under your own arrangements, or chauffeur service from airport to Hotel.
20:00    Welcome Dinner at the Hotel with special guests.
23:00    Night at the Hotel.

       DAY TWO      
From 07:00   Breakfast.
09:00    Private Tour of Shakespeare Birthplace.
10:30    Tour of New Place.
11:00    Visit to Holy Trinity Church where Shakespeare was baptised and is buried.
12:00    Early lunch at The White Swan.
14:00    Visit to Anne Hathaway's Cottage.
15:30    Anne Hathaway and Shakespeare - Lecture at Garden Café.
17:00    Supper at The Dirty Duck pub.
19:00    Performance by Royal Shakespeare Company - Macbeth
23:00    Night at the Hotel.

DAY THREE                
From 07:00   Breakfast.
09:00    Gather at Harvard House in Stratford with special guests.
09:30    History of Harvard House and links to Harvard University - Welcome.
10:00    What we know about Shakespeare from surviving original documents - Lecture.
11:30    Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, The Future – Lecture by Luke Purser, Director of Development.
12:30    Lunch at Lamb's Restaurant.
13:45    PRESENTATION OF ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS by Archivist at Harvard House.
15:45    “The Wadlow Portrait” - PRIVATE VIEWING.
16:00    The provenance of the Wadlow Portrait - Lecture by Steven Wadlow.
20:00    Supper in Stratford with Steven Wadlow as Special Guest.
23:00    Night at Hotel.

      DAY FOUR      
From 07:00    Breakfast.
10:00   Group Picture and END OF EVENT.

(Please note that this schedule may change)

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There are 30 places available for this three-night event and please register your interest by emailing:
mark@originalmanuscriptsociety.com

The cost of the Event and sharing a double/twin room is £4,975 per person.
The cost of the Event and a single room is £5,975.  

20% VAT will be added to the above costs for all Guests.

NO NEED TO PAY NOW - we shall let you know when we have 30 interested guests.

We are unable to accept bookings for less than the entire three nights.

A donation will be made to the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust
to assist with the preservation of these documents for future generations.  

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