The Holy Trinity Church in Stratford is simply huge! It’s really amazing to think about how buildings like this were built without the use of modern construction equipment.

As we made our way inside I had to duck, because the door was lower than my head. Upon my first look around, I was immediately impressed by the massive, beautiful stained glass windows.

We met the Reverend Martin Gorick who talked to us about the long history of this parish church. Just wait until you hear how old it is in the video. Reverend Gorick told us that the church’s ‘modern extension’ dates back to 1485. This would mean what they consider to be the modern part is older than the United States.

Reverend Gorick talk with us about the Reformation, the Church of England, how changes in religion affected the lives of many people. The church may even have influenced a young Shakespeare. Listening to Reverend Gorick talk about religious conflict in England and how some of the buildings still have scars from that time period made me think about the world today. I considered how issues of religious tolerance are as important now as they have been throughout history.

The modern extension is where some of the Shakespeare family is buried, including William. His grave is marked with an epitaph, that he is said to have written. There’s also a monument to honor the playwright, and people from around the world travel to this spot to pay their respects.

Enhance your Shakespearean knowledge: Learn why King Henry VIII is important to the Church of England.

School is in session: Visit Shakspeare’s School.

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