I have been to Stratford Upon Avon twice (once in 1995 and again in the summer of 2008). I remember being able to stand in front of the rail in front of Shakespeare's tombstone (on the floor) and being able to read it as it was right side up. When I returned in 2008, it was upside down to view from the same rail. I am doing some research and need to know, can anyone confirm this as I need to know if the floor has been moved or modified? If you happen to have a picture that would be great. In 1995 pictures were not allowed to be taken but if you did snag one that would be wonderful.
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA, USA
1003 posts
Are you talking about in the church? I took these at the end of July, 2007... I don't know if this is helpful?
Posted by
OP
Federal Way, WA, USA
2 posts
Thank you, Debra, for your pictures. Unfortunately, I have very similar pictures. I am hoping that someone was there in the mid 90's. I seem to recall the tombstone being on the RIGHT side of the alter versus the left. There used to be a guard there that would stop people from taking photos in the summer of '95.
Thank you, again!
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
"I seem to recall the tombstone being on the RIGHT side of the alter versus the left."
I would be astounded if someone could prove that in the last 15 years (since your 1995 visit) Shakespeare's tombstone has been either 1) rotated 180 degrees or 2) moved from the right to the left side of the altar (when facing the altar).
The stone floor around the tombstone was restored in the summer of 2008, about the time you were there the 2nd time. But several internet sources all agree that the tomb itself was not disturbed during that renovation (so they wouldn't violate the inscription and incur the curse!).
I can see why you're asking for a pre-1995 photo, because if you could read the inscription from the tombstone itself and not from the black & white sign that is there in these photos, you would have to have been standing on the other side of the tomb, approximately where the large floor-standing candle holder is now (in the 4th photo above); you would have had your back to the altar and from that position would have been able to read the inscription from the tombstone itself.
The person standing and taking the photos posted above could not read the inscription from the tombstone itself, because it would be upside down when viewed from where the photos were taken.
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA, USA
1003 posts
You're welcome, but sorry I couldn't help!