Good morning/afternoon everyone.

Today I'm going to give you an overview of the town of Stratford-

upon-Avon.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a market town located in Warwickshire, England. It sits on the banks of the
River Avon about 8 miles south of Birmingham. The current population is around 30,000 residents.

The settlement dates back to Saxon times, as the river crossing and agricultural land made it an ideal
spot for a village. By the late 12th century it had grown into a bustling market town and was granted
an official market charter in 1196.

Of course, the most famous connection is William Shakespeare. Shakespeare was born, baptized,
educated and buried in Stratford-upon-Avon. His childhood home is now a museum known as
Shakespeare's Birthplace which is a major tourist attraction. Other sites related to Shakespeare
include Anne Hathaway's Cottage, Hall's Croft, Nash's House, New Place, the Royal Shakespeare
Theatre, Shakespeare's Schoolroom, and Shakespeare's Grave.

The heritage of Shakespeare and Tudor history make Stratford-upon-Avon an incredibly popular
tourist destination, attracting over 5 million visitors per year. The town has preserved many timber-
framed buildings dating back to the 14th-17th centuries. There are many arts, music, and literary
festivals hosted here as well.

Today, the main industries are tourism, financial services and retail. The Royal Shakespeare Company
is based here. The town has shopping streets lined with restaurants and cafes. Boating on the river is
also a popular activity.

In summary, Stratford-upon-Avon is a charming English market town with a rich Tudor history and
internationally known for its Shakespeare heritage. It continues to thrive as a center for arts, culture
and entertainment.