William Shakespeare


When visiting the chancel, you can see the graves of William Shakespeare, his wife Anne Hathaway, daughter Susanna, and other family members.

The first mention of Shakespeare in the annals of Holy Trinity is the record of his baptism in the parish register for April 26, 1564: “Gulielmus filius Johannes Shaksespeare” — “William, son of John Shakespeare.” By the time of his burial on April 25, 1616, the parish records were being written in English rather than Latin; his entry reads simply: “Will Shakespeare, Gent.” Thus did Holy Trinity mark both the beginning and the end of his life.

His famous curse inscription is carved into the stone on his grave.