Shakespeare’s New Place

Shakespeare’s New Place served as the playwright’s family residence from 1597 until his death there in 1616. The original house was demolished in 1759, but a registered garden was subsequently designed to commemorate the site’s significance and allow visitors to form personal connections with Shakespeare. When Shakespeare purchased New Place, he was already an established playwright.

It’s believed he composed his later works at this location, including The Tempest, during his 19 years of ownership. The site features a contemporary landscape entrance on the original gatehouse location that reveals the footprint of the Shakespeare family home.

This reimagined space conveys the scale of New Place and its relationship to neighboring structures, including King Edward VI School and Guild Chapel, both attended by young Shakespeare. Commissioned artworks and displays throughout evoke family life and reference Shakespeare’s major works written during his residence.

The restored sunken Knot Garden maintains Ernest Law’s original design, while elements of the Great Garden will be preserved and developed over time.