Tudor World & The Falstaff Experience
40 Sheep Street Stratford-Upon-Avon Warwickshire CV37 6EE
Set within one of Stratford's oldest and most historic buildings, Shrieve’s House, Tudor World endeavors to recreate life in Tudor times, taking in the sights, sounds and smells of sixteenth- century England, with plague, pestilence and all that goes with it. Shrieve’s House is more qualified than most to tell these tales, having been witness over the years to religious persecution, the plague and civil war before falling victim to a fire in 1595. It has also been described by Horrible Histories author Terry Deary as the most haunted building in England.
This stunning Tudor building used to be The Three Tuns Tavern, the landlord of which, William Rogers, is reputed to be the inspiration for Shakespeare's comedy hero Falstaff. The building is now a museum to Tudor times and Shakespearian tribute with rooms devoted to William Rogers, Tudor life and schooling, and the Elizabethan visionary, political adviser and mystic (now there's a combination!) John Dee who was said to be the inspiration for Shakespeare's magician Prospero in The Tempest.
If spooky is your thing, check out The Falstaff Experience and join one of their spooky lantern-lit ghost tours. There are claims of a number of spirits which roam the property: an archer from Henry VIII's rein, an 18th century serial murderer, a little girl who was a pickpocket in the tavern, and a justice of the peace who used his power to run an extortion ring with threats, violence and trumped up charges. People have also claimed to have seen a dark hooded figure with red glowing eyes watching proceedings.
Summer Ghost tours run Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at 6pm. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings tours run at 6pm, 7pm, 8pm and 9pm. Sunday tour available at 6pm only.(Winter tours run on Friday and Saturday evenings only).
