June 19, 2016
I left Baskerville Hall this morning and headed towards Worcester, where I met up with Pat McCullagh of the Shakespeare Bikers. Pat was waiting for me outside Worcester on his immaculate Kawasaki ZZR14. I’m sure we looked like an extremely odd pair as we road toward Stratford-upon-Avon, my little VW Beetle to McCullagh’s Ferrari.
Pat was kind enough to take time to show me around William Shakespeare’s home town, including his birthplace, and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
Pat McCullagh of the Shakespeare Bikers outside the Royal Shakespeare Company Theatre.
Birthplace of William Shakespeare
Stratford is a beautiful town and full of real history. On the right, with the large American flag, is Harvard House, built in 1596 by the grandfather of the benefactor of Harvard University. Next door, to the left in this photo, is Garrick Inn, the oldest pub in Stratford. Also built in the late 1500s, it has been operating as an inn since 1718.
This small feeder off of the River Avon was full of longboats. They make the journey from Stratford to London down the Avon.
There is no such thing in the UK as “personalized” or “vanity” license plates. But it is possible to buy an official plate that has a combination of numbers and letters that might mean something. McCullagh spent a long time “stalking” the authorities until this plate became available, and then quickly snatched it up.
Cool logo. I have a feeling they could sell a few of these outside of Stratford.
The generosity and friendliness of people I meet on this trip continues to impress me. It was great to spend a day with Pat McCullagh and see some of his town. There is definitely a lot more to see and experience in Stratford, and I plan to return on Lap 2.
Great pics Pat!