Shakespeare’s New Place, a garden celebrating 400 years of Shakespeare’s legacy

To mark the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare's death, the garden on the site of 'New Place' in Stratford-upon-Avon, the former residence of William Shakespeare for 19 years of his adult life, is being transformed into a major new heritage landmark where visitors will be able to discover Shakespeare and his written legacy.

Designed by architects Feilden Clegg Bradley and engineers Expedition, the re-imagination of this unique site provides visitors the opportunity to walk in Shakespeare's footsteps through a new threshold on the site of his gatehouse and trace the footprint of his family home in a contemporary landscape setting with planting design by Gillespies.

The restoration of the historic knot garden - which formed the centrepiece of Ernest Laws 1920 scheme for New Place - is just one part of the new landscapes that come together to create this new heritage landmark. A transitional courtyard - with views into the Knot Garden - welcomes visitors and provides a link to the Great Garden from the reinterpreted New Place.

Whilst there are overt references in the design to what was believed to be the layout of Shakespeare's New Place as well as how the spaces were used and the objects that might have been contained therein, there are also more subtle re-imaginings that will help enhance the 'guest' experience. The raised 'long garden' that cuts through and interfaces with all the spaces of New Place, is a unifying element that creates pause for thought and engagement - 37 weather vanes stand at random among the golden, year round planting. Pleached hornbeams encircle 'His Mind's Eye' that contains an epicentre of sculpture: a windblown tree and sphere. Shakespeare's golden chair and desk are also here. Themes from Shakespeare's work and life are plentiful. Plants, sculpture, text, trees and archaeology help to tell the story.

The reopening of Shakespeare's New Place in July 2016 will be a key highlight of the worldwide celebrations of the playwright's 400 year legacy this year.

Top image courtesy of The Shakespeare Birth Trust