Shakespeare's funerary monument

Shakespeare's funerary monument is a limestone memorial inside Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon, featuring a half-figure of the playwright holding a quill pen and paper resting on a cushion. The figure sits within a niche framed by columns and a decorative arch that gives the whole composition an architectural setting on the north wall of the chancel.

The memorial was built between 1616 and 1623 shortly after the playwright's death, commissioned to honor his literary work. Its first documented restoration took place between 1748 and 1749, when parts of the original coloring were refreshed.

The Latin inscription beneath the sculpture compares Shakespeare to Nestor, Socrates, and Virgil, recognizing his literary and philosophical contributions.

The memorial sits on the north wall of the chancel, just a few steps from the playwright's grave slab in the floor. The church welcomes visitors throughout much of the year, though it remains a working place of worship where services are held regularly.

The limestone figure is one of only two contemporary depictions of the playwright considered to show his true appearance, created within a few years of his death in 1616. Originally painted in color, the sculpture still bears traces of the original pigments that were carefully preserved during later conservation work.

Location: Stratford-upon-Avon

GPS coordinates: 52.18654,-1.70723

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:24