ANNE HATHAWAY'S COTTAGE The tourist to Stratford inevitably pays a visit to the Anne Hathaway Cottage in the neighboring village of Shottery. The house almost divides honors with the Birthplace itself, for here Shakespeare went a-courting, if well-founded tradition is to be believed. The Cottage originally formed part of Richard Hathaway's farmhouse, and mained in that family till 1838. It was bought in behalf of the public by the Birthplace trustees in 1892. From the will of this Richard Hathaway, dated September 1, 1581, as well as certain church entries, the house has been identified and is generally accepted as the former home of Shakespeare's sweetheart. re |