Press Release: Shakespeare 400 – The Aston Parish Church Connection.

William Shakespeare’s family tree has been researched many times and his families’ connections to Aston and Castle Bromwich are well documented (Castle Bromwich was in Aston Parish in Shakespeare’s day). His great grand parents are buried at Aston Parish Church

“Aston has a unique link to Shakespeare” said Revd Dr Fiona Gregson. “ I would encourage all Shakespeare enthusiasts to visit Aston Parish Church during this four hundredth anniversary year. The church is open from 10am on Sundays before the morning service starts at 10.45am. Another option for visiting the church is the Aston Heritage day on 9th July 2016.”

William Shakespeare’s mother’s family the Arden’s were big local land owners from the 14th to 17th centuries. Their residence Park Hall was in the Parish and the family has left 3 memorials and there is a stained glass window in Aston Parish Church. Details are on www.astonnechellscofe.org.uk/gallery.

“Why battle the crowds in Stratford?” asks Nigel Cripps of Aston Parish Church, “there are much more accessible Shakespeare’s family memorials neared to home in Aston Parish Church”.

There will be a Shakespeare event at Aston Hall on 16th April.