Shakespeare's New Place

New Place was William Shakespeare's final place of residence in Stratford-upon-Avon. He died there in 1616. The house where he lived no longer exists, but the land is now owned by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
To mark the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, New Place has been undergoing some big changes.

Read the following words and phrases and their definitions.

• isle - island
• prime - the period in life when a person is best in health, strength, etc. : the most active or successful time of a person's life
• legacy - anything (a body of work, a special way of thinking, a tradition, etc.) that is handed down from the past and continues to exist for future generations
• Britain and beyond - Britain and further, across the British boundaries
• breathe new life - to bring new energy into something
• soar - to reach or rise to great heights

First read the assignment. Next watch the video. Take notes to help you do the assignment.

1. The video starts with a quote from Shakespeare’s play The Tempest:
   "Be not afeard; the isle is full of noises, sounds and sweet airs ... "
   What do these noises, sounds and sweet airs do?


2. How long did Shakespeare live in New Place?


3. Which occupations did Shakespeare have while living in New Place?

Extra reading assignment
Find out more about the opening quote:
- Which character speaks these lines?
- What is the story of The Tempest?