Shakespeare's Birthplace makes historic top ten

SHAKESPEARE’S Birthplace has, perhaps unsurprisingly, been named as one of ten ‘irreplaceable’ music and literature places in England.

The historic house on Henley Street features alongside Abbey Road Studios in London, Jane Austen’s house in Hampshire, The 100 Club on London’s Oxford Street, George Orwell’s home in Islington, The Haçienda, a former music venue in Manchester, The Brontë Parsonage, in West Yorkshire, 23 and 25 Brook Street in London where George Handel and Jimi Henrix lived, Charles Dickens’ former home in Holborn, London, and Chetham’s Library in Manchester, the oldest free reference library.

They were selected from hundreds of public nominations during Historic England’s campaign to compile a list of the 100 places, buildings and historical sites that tell the remarkable story of England and its impact on the world.

Irreplaceable: A History of England in 100 Places includes ten locations in ten categories such as homes and gardens, science and discovery, sport and leisure, and faith and belief.

Author, Monica Ali, judged the music and literature category. She said: “How could it not be included? Shakespeare is the greatest English language writer, the most important dramatist, and a superb poet.

"A visit to his birthplace and to the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) is always inspiring.”

Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, added: “All these places have helped to shape our country’s culture and many have witnessed creativity which will continue to inspire generations of people.”