When visiting Stratford-upon-Avon, one place you shouldn’t miss is the magnificent Anne Hathaway’s Cottage in Shottery. It is a hamlet within the parish of Stratford but just over a mile from the town centre. Known to be the most romantic of all Shakesperean properties, the cottage is where Anne Hathaway spent her childhood and youth. This main Stratford attraction can still be reached by the footpaths over the fields – just as it was in Shakespeare’s time when he came to court his future wife. It was in the year 1582 when William Shakespeare and Anne were married.

Anne Hathaway's Cottage in Stratford-upon-Avon

The Cottage’s Interesting History

The famous cottage in Shottery was the same cottage – Anne Hathaway – who saw the childhood years of Shakespeare’s wife (Anne) –  the daughter of a yeoman farmer, Richard Hathaway. When Richard died in September 1581, Anne was bequeathed with £6 13s 4d ‘atte the day of her maryage’ —-  This marriage, to William Shakespeare, took place in November of the following year. Richard’s widow, Joan, lived until the year 1599. It was claimed that Joan was Richard’s second wife. Thus, there were two sets of children living in the household – three (including Anne) by his first wife and at least five by the second.

It hardly gives justice to call the Hathaway family home a ‘cottage’, of which by the standards of the day, was a substantial residence of a well-to-do yeoman farmer. The Hathaway cottage remained in the family for several generations. When the male line became extinct in the year 1746 – following the death of John Hathaway – the property was then passed, through his sister Susanna, to his nephew, John Hathaway Taylor, whose son, William Taylor, lived there until his death in 1846.

It was because of financial problems which forced him to sell the house six years earlier, but he had remained in occupation as a tenant, as did his daughter, Mary – the wife of George Baker. She was still living there in the year 1892 when the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust purchased the property. Along with the purchase came various items of family furniture, including the Hathaway Bed, dating from Anne’s time.

Mary Baker was appointed first custodian until her death in 1899.

What To Look Forward To In Your Visit

So, what exactly makes visiting this beautiful cottage in Shottery a very remarkable experience? There are actually a whole lot of answers to this. First, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage is furnished throughout with pieces authentic to the period. Several of those belonged to the family. Next, this very special English cottage offers a stunning garden, where you can enjoy a relaxing stroll amidst a plethora of old fashioned perfumed flowers and herbs evocative of old England. Also, there is an orchard next to the cottage, which offers a picnic area.

For a nice afternoon, why not pay a visit in a tea room and restaurant near by, or enjoy the idyllic countryside a little longer by sauntering through the Shakespeare tree garden, or relax by the brook near Jubilee Walk.

If you’re staying in the Stratford upon Avon Hotels in the town centre then it is a very pleasant walk to Anne Hathaways Cottage, or a short trip on the sightseeing bus.

Anne Hathaway’s Cottage Other Details & Admission Fees:

Family (2 adults with maximum of 3 children) – £16.00 – £18.00

Adult (from ages 17 onwards) – £6.50 – £7.00

Child (from ages 5 to 16)- £3.50- £4.00

Concession – £5.50 – £6.00

Schedule:
Winter (Nov-March) Mon-Sun:     –      10am-4pm

(Closed 25th & 26th December)

Christmas Eve                            –      10am-3pm

New Year’s Eve                          –      10am-4pm

New Year’s Day                          –      11am-4pm

anne hatthway cottage