Although a small Warwickshire market town, Stratford-upon-Avon has a remarkable number and variety of historic buildings. The medieval street plan survives, with most of the streets still known by the same names. Over the past 250 years, tourism has become a major activity because of the town’s associations with William Shakespeare, and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre on the riverside. Many listed buildings are located along the Historic Spine, which runs from Shakespeare’s Birthplace through the town centre to his resting place at Holy Trinity Church.

In Stratford-upon-Avon in 50 Buildings, Robert Bearman and Lindsay MacDonald present an engaging and insightful account of the rich architectural heritage of the town. The buildings and landmarks featured are all much appreciated by townspeople and tourists alike, and they give the town its essential character. Taken together, this wide-ranging selection of buildings, landmarks and architectural styles tells the story of the town’s history and development from its medieval origins through all of its phases to the present day.

Superbly illustrated throughout, this book will be of immense interest to residents, visitors and local historians.