The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust

Who we are

The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust was originally formed in order to preserve Shakespeare’s Birthplace as a national memorial following its purchase in 1847. The role of the Trust grew with the subsequent purchase of Shakespeare’s New Place estate in 1862 and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage in 1892. Mary Arden’s was purchased in 1930 and the last house to be bought was Hall’s Croft in 1949. As a registered educational charity the Trust is unique, for it is the only charity that cares for Shakespeare’s heritage. Since 1891 it has operated under an Act of Parliament that has been revised twice, the current Act (1961) defines the Trust’s educational and conservation mission and lists three objectives: a) To promote in every part of the world the appreciation and study of the plays and other works of William Shakespeare and the general advancement of Shakespearian knowledge. b) To maintain and preserve the Shakespeare birthplace properties for the benefit of the nation. c) To provide and maintain for the benefit of the nation a museum and a library of books, manuscripts, records of historic interest, pictures, photographs and objects of antiquity with particular, but not exclusive reference to William Shakespeare, his works, life and times. The vision of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is 'to lead the world’s enjoyment and understanding of Shakespeare’s works, life and times' and we hope you would like to be apart of this.