In Stratford Upon Avon, where William Shakespeare was born, there is a house that was built in 1530, while King Henry VIII was ruling England. This house was there when Shakespeare was living in the town, and the owners have direct connections to Shakespeare himself. Today, the house is known as Wisson House and the thoughtfully preserved historical property has been updated with modern amenities and is offered as a holiday property for anyone visiting the area, or that loves Shakespeare. Of course, when I heard about the property, I wanted to share the history with you. Which is why, today, we are delighted to welcome Amanda Billingsley, the owner of Wisson House, to the show to share the backstory of this property and what it was doing when Shakespeare was alive.
About Amanda Billingsley
Amanda Billingsley bought an old house near Stratford-upon-Avon 20 years ago and it has taken over her life – in a good way. The restoration project has revealed a remarkably intact timber frame house built in 1530. As well as commissioning studies into the house, she has got into the archives herself, to pull together an extraordinary story of the families who owned and lived in the house before, during, and after Shakespeare’s lifetime.
What We Talk About
- Where Wisson HIll is located
- How we know when it was built
- The connections of the owners to Shakespeare’s family
- Documentary and archaeological artifacts uncovered at the house
- ….and more!
Recommended Resources:
Ruth Goodman, Domestic Revolution
