WarwickshireSTRATFORDUPONAVONHolyTrinity(sarahcrosslandSTAFF)1 SarahCrossland

Holy Trinity

Even if you wanted to, there is no escaping the Shakespeare industry in Stratford.

Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire

Opening times

Monday to Saturday: 9am to 4pm.
Sunday: 12.30pm to 5pm (longer in summer, please check website for details).

Address

Old Town
Stratford upon Avon
Warwickshire
CV37 9BG

But the church, somehow, escapes the worst of the hury-burly, saved by the fact that it is a short walk away from the town centre. But, of course, the church is where Shakespeare is buried, and so it is inevitably on the tourist itinerary.

Shakespeare is buried in the chancel, and there are his grave and memorial.

Commissioned by his widow in 1616, the memorial is said to be his best likeness. The church itself is outstanding, and would be celebrated even without the Shakespeare connection. Its origins are pre Norman, but the present building dates from the 13th century and later.

It is a large building, full of light, with a central tower crowned by a tall and beautiful spire erected in 1763. The architect GF Bodley restored the church in a sensitive way in the 19th century, and the organ case that he designed sits splendidly above the crossing arch in the centre of the church.

There are many memorials and other items of interest, with the Clopton Chapel being particularly packed. Here, one of the finest monuments is the early 17th century tomb of George Carew and his wife Joyce Clopton. In the chancel are 26 misericords from about 1450. These include some of the most famous of all such carvings.

  • Captivating architecture

  • Famous connections

  • Fascinating churchyard

  • Glorious furnishings

  • Magnificent memorials

  • National heritage here

  • Social heritage stories

  • Spectacular stained glass

  • Accessible toilets nearby

  • Dog friendly

  • Level access to the main areas

  • On street parking at church

  • Parking within 250m

  • Space to secure your bike

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Church of England

  • Repair Grant, £30,000, 2008

  • Our Repair Grants funded urgent repair work to help keep churches open.

Contact information

Other nearby churches

Rother Street URC

Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire

A traditional building with some beautiful features and offers an oasis of peace and calm after the bustle of the city outside.

St James the Great

Snitterfield, Warwickshire

Much of this church was built during the 13th and 14th centuries; the tower was built in at least two distinct phases, with construction interrupted by the Black Death.

St Nicholas

Loxley, Warwickshire

On a sloping site in a wildflower speckled churchyard, Loxley's church has a battlemented tower that dates back to the 13th century.