An eerie silence sweeps Shakespeare’s birth-town, the air still haunted from the bitter winter’s chill, perfect conditions for a lantern-lit tour in what Horrible Histories’s writer Terry Dreary described as “the most haunted building in England.”
Countless reports of paranormal activity from visitors daily, including one rather unnerving account from Most Haunted’s Derek Acorah, in which he disturbingly proclaimed “he’s cut me arm off, he’s cut me arm off,” before his production team dragged him out, fearing for his safety. This notoriety alone should be enough to put off any prospective tourists, but after dark a crowd is herded in to test their nerve and visit 40 Sheep Street, now known as Tudor World.
The uneven cobblestone path that dates back to 1595, and would have cradled the feet of William Shakespeare several centuries before, still remains. The monochrome criss-crossed windows panes, medieval looking gate and poignant background music maintains the feel of the Tudors’s malnourished 16th century England.
A man of around early fifties walks down to greet the guests; he bears a look of wonderment in his seasoned eyes.
Leading the way with his wooden cane and lantern, he marches ahead to the antiquated house-turned-museum. The unnaturally cold barn-house, whose first known tenant was William Shrieve, assassin and archer to Henry VIII’s army, stands proudly in wax-form next to the entrance. Guests are advised to whisper “Hello William” to the statue as they pass for good luck and in the hope that he will ward off evil spirits; something you could suspect Derek Acorah forgot to do.
From the religious persecution of John Jefferies to an 18th century serial murderer, the Shrieve’s house is rich with a brutal and unpleasant history of evil affairs. Chilling tales are recounted as you are led around in the pitch black along with experiences of previous guests and the staff themselves.
A room much colder than the others is home to the spirit of Lucy a young pick-pocket who may hold your hand or has been reported to make off with your jewellery, the little shit.
The tour ends after an enjoyable evening venturing into the world of the Tudors, with the possibility of fright from the spirits within. The guide allows any questions to be raised and the group are ushered out, the large heavy gate shutting behind them.
Story-telling to some, may seem a tad ‘ye olde’ but it must be refuted as this one-man piece of theatre is certainly worth visiting; if not for the barbaric tales of yesteryears’s goings-on delivered by impassioned, knowledgeable speakers. Then to simply see what one of the United Kingdom’s most haunted buildings has to offer.
Information
Lantern Lit Ghost Tour
Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
Opening times: Sunday – Thursday 6pm (additional times of 7pm and 8pm on bank holidays), Friday and Saturday 6pm, 7pm, 8pm, 9pm.
Vigils and further psychic experiences
40 Sheep Street, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Warwickshire CV37 6EE
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