Centre of Archaeology helps preserve building linked to Shakespeare's family
Members of the Centre of Archaeology at the University of Huddersfield are currently supporting the conservation and archaeological investigations of the internationally important Hall’s Croft, a Grade I listed building with direct links to William Shakespeare.
The building dates back to 1613, and was the home of Shakespeare’s daughter Susanna and her husband, physician John Hall.
Hall’s Croft is one of the last complete examples of Jacobean architecture and is one of the small number of surviving buildings which researchers are certain William Shakespeare would have walked in.
Ongoing archaeological work includes the supervision of conservation works, which have been revealing important details about the original construction and later development of the building.
Steel girders installed in the last century to support the failing roof have resulted in destabilisation of the building. An extension added in the 17th century is pulling away from the original house, so the two parts are leaning in different directions.
Repairs to the panels, undertaken in the 1950s, have also had a detrimental effect on the original timbers and significant conservation work needs to be undertaken to ensure the future survival of the building. The Centre of Archaeology will continue to research the building and monitor the works into late 2026.
Prior to the commencement of the conservation works, the Centre of Archaeology produced a digital model of the of the building which is being used to inform more targeted repairs, as well providing a permanent record of the current state of the building.
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, the charity that cares for historic Shakespeare sites in Stratford-upon-Avon, recently received an unprecedented donation of £1m from the Olivier Award-winning US playwright Ken Ludwig. His 34 plays and musicals have been performed in 30 countries, and his commissions have included the Agatha Christie estate and the Royal Shakespeare Company.
His donation is the largest private donation in the trust’s 177-year history, and will ensure crucial conservation work on Hall’s Croft can continue.
"Hall’s Croft is an excellent historic survival and an authentic link to Shakespearean heritage," says William Mitchell, from the Centre of Archaeology.
"Thanks to Ken’s generous support, the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust can now move forward with the sensitive restoration of this important site and complete the vital archaeological work. The insights uncovered through this research will be invaluable in guiding the conservation efforts and preserving the story of Hall’s Croft for future researchers.”
