After a bit of a drive south this morning, we began our day at Warwick Castle. Originally built in 1068 by William the Conquerer and rebuilt in stone during the 12th century, the castle maintains an important location throughout history. We had the opportunity to see a performance dramatizing the role of the Earl of Warwick during the War of the Roses that included jousting, trick riding, and theater to tell the story of the conflict between the House York and House Lancaster. Students explored the castle and grounds, weaved through an elaborate wax-works museum, watched a falconry demonstration, and climbed the ramparts.
We next stopped at the cottage of Anne Hathaway, William Shakespeare’s wife. The interior of the cottage displays daily life over the three centuries it was occupied by the Hathaways and showcases exterior gardens, orchards, and apiary bursting with early summer blooms.
Just a few minutes away in Stratford-upon-Avon, the group visited Shakespeare’s birthplace. The site now boasts a lovely museum, restored structures, gardens, and of course, live theater. Mrs. Keaton even returned to the stage as the Moon in the scene performed from Midsummer Night’s Dream. With her crown of flowers, lantern, and stuffed dog, her performance won accolades.
After visiting the museum (and buying plenty of Shakespeare’s plays as remembrances), we got to explore the shopping district in Stratford-upon-Avon and take photos with Shakespeare’s statue.
Then it was off to our hotel in Coventry in the Birmingham region and a delicious, eclectic dinner of lasagne, pizza, curry, chicken fingers, and various sides awaited our arrival. With a pool table as a center piece, a number of students chose to hangout together and play games after dinner.
Tomorrow we head to Oxford and then down to London, our last destination in England. Cheerio!