Holy Trinity Church (Stratford-upon-Avon)
Holy Trinity is the parish church of the splendid old town of Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire.
The church stands away from the town centre, in the area known as Old Town, the original site of the settlement which subsequently moved a little down the River Avon.
It is a very attractive mediaeval church, dating back to the 14th century, with a Gothic tower surmounted by an 18th century spire, as well as transepts with windows in the Decorated style.
The Clopton Chapel is in memory of Hugh Clopton, who became Lord Mayor of London and died there in 1496. Nearby, among other Cloptons, is the tomb of Gorge Carew, Earl of Totnes, who was a relative by marriage. It is claimed that this is the finest Renaissance tomb in Europe.
In the chancel is the tomb of William Shakespeare, who was born and died in Stratford. The church makes a small charge to view this tomb. It is after all what most tourists come to see. The rest of the church is, as normal, free to enter.
By the tomb is the extraordinary curse "Bleste be the man that spares these stones, and curst be he that moves my bones".
The famous bust of Shakespeare, quill in hand, is by Gerard Johnson, and commissioned by his wife shortly after his death in 1616.
Among the misericords is the popular depiction of a wife beating and quite violently abusing her husband, and the church also has a chaind Bible.
In the churchyard is a fine avenue of pollarded limes.