The history of the Arden Hotel:
Like many buildings in Stratford-upon-Avon, the buildings and land which constitute the Arden Hotel form part of the Royal Shakespeare Company estate. According to the RSC, the Arden has a historical association with William Shakespeare himself.
It is known that Shakespeare’s father, John, became a prominent member of society in Elizabethan Stratford following his marriage to Mary Arden, a member of the local gentry, despite being born to a relatively poor farming family.
In subsequent years John Shakespeare forged a reputation as a local entrepreneur and it seems alongside his trade as a glover, various civic roles, and a propensity to get in trouble with the law, he also found time to build a modest property entire – for the 1,500 population market town – of which the ‘Arden’ was a part.
Though the main house of the Arden dates back to the late 17th Century, and the mock-Tudor Udimore House later, the land and garden used to contain an Elizabethan dwelling called Brook House, and it is reputed that William Shakespeare wrote some of his works in the garden and the family were associated with the house.
Since then its history is hazy but at one stage it was the Flowers Brewery Family estate before passing to the RSC. It has been a hotel in various incarnations since 1965.
When Jacinda Ardern resigned as prime minister of New Zealand, I was heartbroken. She was wonderful. Then you published the post on The Arden Hotel, Stratford-upon-Avon and I thought for a moment that the hotel was named in Jacinda’s honour.
The front of the building is a bit rugged, but the interiors look very soft.
The following link shows the front of the hotel which you can find if you follow the wall with windows and turn right.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/-cherrypie-/52542786457/in/dateposted-public/
the white windows look good against the brick work, CP. the interiors are all quite updated, although i would prefer the walk in shower instead of the bathtub. but that is just personal.
I didn’t venture into the bath tub, I wasn’t sure I would be able to climb out easily.
It sure looks like a solid building with quite the history.
I love hotels with a bit of history
It’s nice to feel you’re part of history, Cherry, when you stay at such a place.
I love the feel
Did it still have an atmosphere, or has all that interior modernisation dissipated it, Cherie? It does look a most comfortable place to stay
I didn’t feel any historic atmosphere even though the hotel has a lovely feel to it.
I didn’t stay in Stratford-upon-Avon unfortunately…
Used Birmingham as a travel hub instead.
So many day trip possibilities from Birmingham.
Birmingham is definitely a good central place to stay
Indeed, especially if you can grab super advanced tickets.
Only £6.40 return from London!
WOW!!!
you have given us a good history of the Arden Hotel Cherie…the rooms inside are lovely… thank you for all of your comments on my blog today….peter:)
We enjoyed our stay
Wow I really enjoyed the history ab Shakespeare and the place he owned and wrote some of his works there.
Thanks for sharing dear Cheri
I am glad you enjoyed the history