Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-upon-Avon, has achieved fame as the place of baptism and burial of William Shakespeare. Many thousands of tourists visit the church each year to visit his grave inside the church.

Holy Trinity contains many interesting features, including:

• A 14th century sanctuary knocker in the church's porch (built c.1500)
• Twenty-six misericord seats in the chancel, with religious, secular and mythical carvings
• Several large stained glass windows featuring major English and Biblical saints at the church's east and west ends

It is said that Shakespeare's body is buried 20 feet (approx. 7 metres) deep to prevent its theft . Above the grave, a badly eroded stone slab displays his epitaph:

Good friend, for Jesus' sake forbear,

To dig the dust enclosed here.

Blest be the man that spares these stones,

But cursed be he that moves my bones.

The church is open to visitors for much of the year. A small contribution is requested to access the chancel and sanctuary in which Shakespeare is buried. Photography is not permitted inside the church. A gift shop stocks a selection of postcards, books and other gifts.

External links

• Holy Trinity's Website - information on opening times, history of the church and several interior photographs.

Buildings and structures in Warwickshire | Churches in the United Kingdom

Holy Trinity Church