- You are here:
- Home
- >>
- Stratford Town
- >>
- Stratford 800th Anniversary
- >>
- Medieval Stratford
Shakespeare's Stratford on the Web
www.stratford-upon-avon.co.uk
site by QuinSolve :: W - www.quinsolve.co.uk :: E - enquiries@quinsolve.co.uk :: T - +44 (0)1608 664774
Medieval Stratford - The Clopton Story
As well as celebrating Stratford-upon-Avon's 800th Anniversary, 1996 sees the 500th commemoration of the death of Sir Hugh Clopton who died on
15 September 1496.
Hugh, a bachelor all his life, made his fortune as a London mercer and gave generously of his property both here in Stratford, and in London (where he was Lord Mayor in 1492), Aylesbury and elsewhere.
In particular:
-
He replaced the rickety and hazardous wooden bridge across the River Avon with the stone "Great Bridge" comprising "14 great archis of stone and long cawsey" which still bears his name.
-
He enlarged and restored Holy Trinity Church and the Guild Chapel
-
Paved local roads (so very necessary to sustain the trading heart of the town)
-
Initiated welfare schemes for local apprentices and girls
Hugh Clopton also built New Place at Stratford-upon-Avon - which in the fullness of time was bought by one William Shakespeare as a retirement home. His fine and modest memorial in the Guild Chapel is well worth studying.