The site where the museum is located can be dated back to the end of the 12th Century when the village was officially made a market town. Between 1536 and 1542, Shrieve's House was built and named after the owner of the property, William Sheryve (Shrieve). Not much is known about William, but we do know he served as an archer for King Henry VIII.

 

On the 11th July 1564, an outbreak of the Bubonic Plague hit Stratford-upon-Avon. For the next six months, 238 people died from the deadly disease, with numerous plague pits dotted around the outskirts of the town. Thankfully Shakespeare's family escaped it, but could you imagine how different the world would be had they'd not been so lucky? Another outbreak of the Plague occurred in 1645, where by the end of Autumn the disease took the lives of 61 people.

 

In about 1582, a new tenant moved into the property called William Rogers, and it's here that he opened the Three Tuns Tavern which served food as well as ales and drinks. It was the personality and life of William Rogers who later inspired William Shakespeare to create the comic character 'Falstaff'. As well as a tavern, a blacksmiths and a stable were located on the site too.

 

In September 1595, a large fire swept through the town and straight across Sheep Street. The damage the fire caused at Shrieve's House is not clear due to contradicting accounts, but from tenant documents surrounding William Rogers, he was leased a new house on 30th October 1595, so the fire must have been devastating. Another fire struck in Stratford-upon-Avon on the 9th July 1614, but only the front portion of the building was damaged during that.

 

In 1619, William Rogers' daughter Elizabeth is listed as being a tenant in the property. Elizabeth had eight children and was widowed, so even though there's no evidence that she kept the tavern running, it's likely that she had no choice but to continue with it. It is widely reported that William Shakespeare visited Shrieve's House many times, walking up and down the cobbled courtyard to the tavern, and there's strong validity to this with Elizabeth's nephew William Walker being Shakespeare's godson. Shakespeare's daughter Suzannah was also close friends with Elizabeth, further establishing the playwright's connections to the building.

 

At the beginning of the English Civil War before the Battle of Edgehill took place nearby, Parliamentary troops were billeted at No.40 Sheep Street (Shrieve's House). There is also a long stated rumour that Oliver Cromwell stayed here too before the Battle of Worcester. Colonel Lucas who was also a Parliamentarian, rented the building around that time from John Woolmer, who himself lived at the top of Sheep Street. John was often targeted by the locals for being a Royalist sympathiser, but once the Monarchy was restored under King Charles II, he negotiated the new Borough Charter and eventually became the first Mayor of Stratford; one of only three mayors to have lived at No.40 Sheep Street.

 

The Falstaff Experience was also featured on a leap year weekend special of Most Haunted Live! back in 2004, where strange happenings like battery-powered lights being drained, objects being thrown, and the late great medium Derek Acorah who had a traumatising experience being possessed by a mentally-crazed spirit.

The Falstaffs Tudor Experience museum is renowned for being the most haunted building in Stratford-upon-Avon. The building sits on top of 5 Ley Lines, creating this swirling vortex of ghostly energies picked up on by many psychics, mediums and sensitives.

 

A young boy is regularly sensed on the first floor, who likes to pickpocket visitors and ghost hunters for their watches, jewellery and other items. Many people will feel like their clothes and trousers are being pulled and tugged, with goosebumps following soon after.

 

In the Attic space where the Séance Room is, a strong male energy called 'John' likes to make himself known, with loud taps and knocks heard, as well as his eerie disembodied voice.

 

A dark hooded shadow figure with red glowing eyes has been seen at times throughout the building, believed to possibly be William Shrieve who dislikes people entering his house.

 

But perhaps the most scariest ghost is that of a 17th Century serial killer said to haunt the Plague Area, pushing and hurting guests to make them jump with fear, while causing frightening poltergeist activity. He is seen wielding a sharp axe, terrifying any unsuspecting visitors and guests.

 

Cold spots are common throughout the building, which at most times is quite warm. Loud sounds of dragging furniture can be heard at times, with no logical explanation, along with auditory phenomena like creepy laughs, whines and airy cries. And near the stairs in the Plague Area, people have had paranormal experiences like no other.

DATE: Friday 4th October 2024

 

TIMES: 9:30pm - 3:00am (Arrive 15 minutes early. Please wait patiently outside until a member of our team greets you at the gated entrance)

 

LOCATION: Tudor World (Falstaff Experience), 40 Sheep Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire CV37 6EE

 

PARKING AT EVENT: Parking on Sheep Street(free after 6pm), Parking on Ely Street, Parking at the rear of Wetherspoons (The Golden Bee) and Bridgeway Multi Storey Car Park. Please note parking charges may apply.

 

REMAINING BALANCE: Needs to be paid FOUR WEEKS prior to the event date. Failure to pay your remaining balance before this deadline will result in you forfeiting your places and your places will be sold on.

 

WHAT TO BRING: A torch, a warm coat/jacket, sensible footwear, any equipment you wish to bring along (your responsibility), your positive and open-minded energies.

 

PLEASE NOTE: Bringing alcohol or drugs to this event is strictly prohibited. If anyone arrives at the event under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they will not be allowed to stay for the night and will be asked to leave immediately.