Hathaway's Cottage

Hi everyone!

Well today I woke up at 4.40am to watch us play Richmond. Bad decision, why am I so loyal? Moving along quickly....!

I checked out of me B&B and walked to the new one. It was hot today (not complaining) but I got tired very quickly. When I arrived the owner and her husband were so lovely. They gave me some cold water and even let me check in early. 

I then set off to Anne Hathaway's Cottage. No, not the actress - Shakespeare's wife! If you remember from yesterday they got married when William was 18 and Anne 26 as Anne was 3 months pregnant. The Hathaways lived here from the 1540s, and Anne was born in 1556. They owned 90 acres of surrounding land. They house was lived in by 13 generations of Hathaways. Anne's brother Bartholomew inherited the house in 1610 and renovated it, adding a second storey and altering it from 2 to 12 rooms. A lady called Mary Baker (daughter of William Taylor, a descendant of Bartholomew) lived there when the Birthplace Trust bought the property in 1892. She showed people around the house until she died aged 83 in 1899. 

I looked around the beautiful gardens and cottage. The garden was stunning, buzzing with life full of bees and other insects. I sat for a while and just enjoyed. The cottage interior was really cute and had lots of original furniture. Turns out the Hathaways had a family reunion on July 18 this year! 

There was a small exhibition about Tudor marriage traditions, apparently it was considered good luck to throw shoes at people! And a bond was put forward. In the event a marriage didn't work out you had to pay that bond to the church. William and Anne's was £40. 

I then explored the rest of the property. I walked the woodland walk which had quotes relating to various animals and trees from William's work. It was really peaceful until some weird horn noises began and went on for ages. If it was a band they were horrendous, but it sounded more like cars. Confused as to why it went on so long though. 

Next I went to the Tree and Sculpture Garden, which has over 40 types of trees and plants mentioned in William's work. There were also some weird sculptures. But this point it was really hot (ok, it was only 28, living here is making me weak!) so I went and sat down and ate my lunch with a lovely view of the cottage. 

I then walked to the station to meet Jamie! We went and dropped his stuff off at the B&B and went walking into town. I once again went to Shakespeare's Birthplace. This time the crazy serenader from two days ago was acting out Romeo and Juliet (both parts!!!) he left me alone thank god hahaha. 

Went for a quick walk to the church Shakespeare is buried in again to show Jamie and then sat in the park. It was a lovely, sunny day. Boats were going down the river, children were laughing and people were relaxing in deck chairs. And then something very English happened. BAM - pouring, torrential rain. Everyone ran for cover and changed from whinging about how hot it was to whinging about the rain. Hahaha. 

We had a bit of a rest in the afternoon and then went out and enjoyed some Italian food. Unfortunately I got quite a bad stomach ache but we still had a great time. Now we're back in the room watching a movie. 

Bath again tmro - first time seeing my friend Rachel since March. SO excited!

Love to all

Claire

Xoxox