Holy Trinity Church

A warm welcome awaits you at Holy Trinity Church, one of England's finest and most visited parish churches. Since 1210 people have worshipped within the building offering praise to God through his Son, Jesus Christ, and in power of the Holy Spirit.

Holy Trinity Church in its garden setting by the river Avon remains very much as it was in William Shakespeare's day. Yet the lovely church where the great playwright lies buried has a fascinating 800 year history of change and counter-change.

The nave built of limestone from the Cotswold Hill, represents 200 years of architectural development. The pillars date from 1280 whist the arches are 14th century and the clerestory 15th century. As a whole the nave represents a fine example of Perpendicular architecture.

The Clopton (or Lady) Chapel features the tomb of George Carew, Earl of Totnes and Baron Clopton (1555-1629) and Joyce, his wife which has frequently been described as the finest Renaissance tomb in England.

The fine chancel was built in 1480 from local Warwickshire stone. It is dominated by the east window, which is built in Perpendicular style. In common with several other medieval churches, Holy Trinity has a 'weeping chancel' with a displacement to the north of over 1 metre. The term refers to the position of Christ's head on the Cross. The stalls and misericords have been in continuous use for over 500 years. The misericords reflect life in the 15th century with depictions of birds, beasts and demons, as well as most aspects of human behaviour. The chained bible on display in the chancel is an example of a first edition of the King James Authorized Version, printed in 1611.

The chancel is the resting place of William Shakespeare, his wife Anne, his daughter Susannah and son in law John Hall. Along with Thomas Nash who married William's grand-daughter. Above the grave is the memorial to Shakespeare sculptured by Gerard Johnson within a few years of the playwright's death.

During your visit to Holy Trinity we hope you will experience a sense of awe. Many come to visit Shakespeare's grave not realising that the church is still an active and living place of worship. Our hope and prayer is that all our visitors will pause to find something beyond the building.

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Free entry
In order to keep the Church open 7 days a week for visitors, pilgrims, tourists and worshippers, we ask that those wishing to visit Shakespeare's grave make a donation of £1.50 (Students 50 pence).

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