PAST PICTURES OF THE SHAKESPEARE

We have little record of Bridgnorth's past… 

On 31st March 1646 during the Civil War, in King Charles 1 reign, Bridgnorth Town was under siege from Parlimentary forces and the Royalists retreated to Bridgnorth Castle after setting fire to the stables in Listley Street. The fire soon spread to burn down many buildings in High Town. It was the incendiary torches fired from the castle  that ignited St. Leonards Church, burning all the town records that were stored in the church.

By 1st April 1646 most of Bridgnorth High Town was destroyed by the great fire. Therefore we have little knowledge of the Shakespeares past. But here are some things we do know.

• Originally called the Punch Bowl and first licensed in 1792.

• In 1821, it was altered when Postern Gate was demolished to improve the route from New Road. In the rear buildings ‘Cart’ Williams had many horses stabled.

• Bridgnorth was the rallying point of King Henry IV’s troops before the battle of Shrewsbury. It is believed the pub changed its name from the Punch Bowl to the Shakespeare due to Shakespeares play, The First Part of King Henry IV:

 On Wednesday next, Harry, thou shalt set forward; On Thursday, we ourselves will march: Our meeting is Bridgnorth; and, Harry, you shall march through Glostershire; by which account our business valued, some twelve days hence our general forces at Bridgnorth shall meet.

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Restoration

Following extensive and sympathetic refurbishment in 2018 the pub has now been divided by a central bar serving both sides. The Bar area has cosy corners and snugs warmed by a log burner fire. The smaller Lounge area has french doors opening onto the Beer Terrace which has a large covered area for smokers. Off this courtyard is a function room The Boathouse which has been restored with reclaimed oak panelling. Both the lounge and the Boathouse are decorated with rowing memorabilia to recognise the pub's support for Bridgnorth's oldest society established in 1865, Bridgnorth Rowing Club which the Shakespeare is now a proud sponsor. Joule’s commissioned a beautiful array of traditional stained-glass windows for the Shakespeare. These bespoke stained-glass panels are created by Paul Georgiou whose work can be seen in many Joule’s Pubs, signed off by his mark of the honey bee depicting the pub as the honey pot of the community.