Hall's Croft

The most impressive of the five Shakespearean properties, all of which are owned and preserved by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, is Hall's Croft. This was the home of Dr. John Hall and Shakespeare's eldest daughter Susanna, whom he married in 1607. This is where Dr. Hall had his practice, and was the couple's home until they moved to New Place after Shakespeare's death.

As one of the prominent medical practitioners of the time, it is not surprising that Dr. John Hall had one of the finest houses in the area. Dating from Tudor times with later additions, this house with its beautiful half timbering, many gabled roof and striking chimney stacks, is a superb example of the architecture popular in Stratford in the sixteenth century. As you are shown around the house today, you will find much to admire in the handsome furniture and paintings, such as would have been available to a professional man of the period. One of the rooms is set out to give an insight as to what a Doctor's consulting room looked like in the 17th century.

Anyone interested in medicine will be intrigued by a visit to the museum, dedicated to Dr Hall's work for his many patients, in the town and the surrounding countryside. Here you can see implements of the times, together with medical records and cures. Also on view is a 1st edition copy of Hall's patients' casebook, published after his death.

The name Croft implies there was a considerable plot of land attached to the property. Originally this may have accommodated poultry, an orchard, kitchen garden and pleasure or flower garden. The walled garden you see today is less functional, but very beautiful. Many old trees, including an old mulberry, afford seclusion and shade. There is a sundial lending atmosphere, at the end of the path through the herbaceous borders, and a well filled herb garden, as good Doctors would have required. In this lovely spot you are welcome to sit and read, or to take tea, available from the tea room in the house.