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Shakespeare’s New Place was his family home from 1597 until he died in the house in 1616. The house was demolished in 1759, a registered garden has been designed to commemorate the importance of the site and allow visitors to make their own personal connection with Shakespeare. When Shakespeare bought New Place he was an established playwright and it is believed that he wrote his later plays there, including The Tempest. Commissioned artworks and displays throughout the site will evoke a sense of family life and hint at Shakespeare’s major works that were written during the 19 years he owned New Place.
The Brethren who attended the Provincial Grand Lodge Meeting at Stoneleigh on Saturday, heard our Provincial Grand Master announce that Warwickshire has secured an opportunity to establish a lasting memorial to celebrate not only 300 Years of Freemasonry but one linked to the 400th Anniversary of Shakespeare’s Death. As Freemasons of Warwickshire, together with the United Grand Lodge of England, we are to provide the funding for a Bronze Desk and Chair to be displayed in the newly relandscaped “New Place”, the site of Shakespeare’s final home in the heart of Stratford upon Avon. The Desk and Chair will give visitors from around the World a unique opportunity to sit and contemplate a view that has remained unchanged since Shakespeare lived there.
To celebrate UGLE’s Tercentenary next year, it is intended that we will hold a Ceremony to formally Dedicate the Desk and Chair, at New Place in Chapel Street. The date of this will be announced shortly.
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