The Medieval Magazine No.84 / Vol 3 No 1 | Page 6

Why Did Shakespeare’s Father Paint Over Iconic Medieval Murals?

Virtual reality model of image of the west wall of the guild chapel, Stratford on Avon (wasleys.org.uk/).

Screens, stages and airwaves have this year been dominated by celebrations of the life of William Shakespeare, 400 years after his death. Tourists have flocked to his native Stratford-upon-Avon to see where he was born, baptised, and periodically returned to from London to see his circle of friends. Many have also visited New Place, the house he aspired to buy once he had made his money in the city. It recently was revealed by a major programme of archaeological excavation and painstaking research by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.