Trust paid £3,000 to save Shakespeare's birthplace from being shipped to US
In the 1840s, Shakespeare's birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon faced the threat of sale, as American showman P.T. Barnum aimed to move the historic home to New York. A dedicated committee formed, rallying public donations and support from notable figures like Prince Albert to save the site. Their efforts culminated in the successful acquisition of the house at auction in 1847, ensuring the…
In 1830s, the Royal Shakespearean Club became involved in the restoration of Holy Trinity Church's bust and grave. They began to debate the idea of purchasing the Henley Street house, which was believed to be the birthplace of renowned playwright William Shakespeare. The club, including Charles Dickens, formed The Shakespeare Birthplace Committee in 1846 for the purpose of buying the property.
The house was put up for sale in 1846, with high public excitement and rumors circulating that American showman P.T. Barnum planned to buy the house and transport it to New York for his theme park attractions. Barnum, who had toured Europe with his show and had 400,000 people a year, reportedly expressed interest in Shakespeare due to their similarities as entertainers and businessmen.
Barnum, with the help of an agent, intended to buy the Shakespeare House, disassemble it, pack it into boxes, and ship it to New York. However, English gentlemen intervened and purchased the property on behalf of a Shakespeare association. Barnum later built a replica of the house at Surrey Zoological Gardens, which became an iconic attraction.
To secure the house, the Shakespeare Birthplace Committee raised £3,000 by the day of the public auction. Prince Albert contributed £250, and a bank loan of £470 was taken out. The Committee successfully acquired the property, which is now operated as a popular public museum and international literary landmark, owned and managed by the trust.
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