Britain's What's On Event Guide
How the town fires changed Stratford
Heritage Open Day: What was the outcome of the disastrous town fires in Stratford-on-Avon in 1594, 1595 and 1614? We have been examining old timber-framed buildings and have come to some surprising conclusions. In 1594, 1595 and 1614 disastrous town fires were reported in Stratford-on-Avon. All these occurred during Shakespeare's lifetime, and he certainly would have been concerned about the last, when he lived at New Place. Over the past four years we have been examining the timber-framed buildings in the town centre, looking for evidence of fire damage and rebuilding. We have two preliminary conclusions:
1) The extent of damage may have been exaggerated to boost claims for compensation
2) Building practices were changed to reduce the risk of fires spreading.
1) The extent of damage may have been exaggerated to boost claims for compensation
2) Building practices were changed to reduce the risk of fires spreading.
Wednesday 16 September
Shakespeares New Place, Nashs House, Chapel Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire CV37 6EP
Wed 16 Sep:11am to 4pm; Free Entry.
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