Today, as I sat in the large classroom at the King Edward VI Grammar School I wondered what it must be like to go to school at such a unique place. We were met by Mr. Biddle who teaches in the same room that William Shakespeare may have gone to school in. I don't think anyone famous went to my school!

The room is filled with the old wooden desks that are marked with deep carvings from students past.   These desks are not from Shakespeare's time but a bit newer; about 200 years old. Much of the room still remains the same. Some modern conveniences like heat and electricity have been added to make the school day more comfortable, and students no longer have to bring their own candles.

In Shakespeare's time, the school day was very long and education was a privilege that only boys were allowed. Girls were expected to stay home and help around the house. About 40 boys would have gone to school in this one room. Their studies would have centered around Latin. Learning Latin was important because it got you in to university. During Shakespeare's day to be a lawyer, doctor, or teacher you had to know Latin.  

Shakespeare's education would have ended at this school though. He did not become one of the university wits like so many of the other writers from the time period. All the same, Shakespeare's plays are filled with subjects and information like art, science, geography, and politics. A very smart writer indeed!

Today, the King Edward VI Grammar School is still an all-boys school, but there is now a girls school nearby in Stratford.

Die dulci fruere (Latin for have a good day),

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