William Shrieve
Explore Stratford-upon-Avon with William Shrieve of Shrieve’s House – the home of Tudor World, and learn about many aspects of life during the Tudor period in this educational and interactive video.
Supporting Documents
What does Shrieve mean?
Correct
Shrieve means the Shire Reeve... the sheriff of the town.
Wrong
Shrieve means the Shire Reeve... the sheriff of the town.
I lived at 40 Sheep Street in Stratford-upon-Avon and the house still stands today. It is named after me – Shrieve’s House.
What was a Pommander?
A “pommander” was a scented ball or the container that was usually attached to belts, girdles, clothing and jewellery to help hide the smell of the streets.
The pillories were a wooden framework with holes for the head and hands, in which offenders were formerly imprisoned and exposed to public abuse.
Where do you think the pillories were?
Correct
Well done!
Wrong
Ooops, not there!
What could you throw at criminals?
Correct
There was a lot of manure lying around in the streets that would be used, however eggs would be used if they were lying around.
Wrong
There was a lot of manure lying around in the streets that would be used, however eggs would be used if they were lying around.
The cage was either hanging or on the ground. It was too small to be comfortable in. As a punishment, the convict would be put in the cage, where they would often die of dehydration, starvation or general exposure.
Where do you think the jails were?
Correct
Well done!
Wrong
Ooops, not there!
There were no "supermarkets" in Tudor times and no fridges, so how did you get all the ingredients for cooking?
Correct
You could go to individual shops or a market, but you had to go every day!
Wrong
You could go to individual shops or a market, but you had to go every day!
Where was meat often sold?
Correct
Meat was often sold on Bridge Street.
Wrong
Meat was often sold on Bridge Street.
The plague came to Stratford in 1564... which famous Stratfordian was born that year?
Correct
William Shakespeare was the famous Stratfordian who was born in 1564, the same year the Plague came to town.
Wrong
William Shakespeare was the famous Stratfordian who was born in 1564, the same year the Plague came to town.
What does "hic incepit pestis" mean?
Correct
"Hic incepit pestis," means, "Here begins the plague."
Wrong
"Hic incepit pestis," means, "Here begins the plague."
What are plague pits?
Correct
Plague pits were graves for multiple plague victims. People would dig pits and put multiple plague victims in, as graveyards were over-crowded.
Wrong
Plague pits were graves for multiple plague victims. People would dig pits and put multiple plague victims in, as graveyards were over-crowded.
What were the roads like then?
Correct
In Tudor times roads were smelly, crowded, uneven and slippy. With the uneven surfaces, along with all the manure, the streets were not pleasant at all.
Wrong
In Tudor times roads were smelly, crowded, uneven and slippy. With the uneven surfaces, along with all the manure, the streets were not pleasant at all.
What was the main form of transport?
Correct
Horses were the main form of transport if you were wealthy enough. Otherwise, you'd have to walk.
Wrong
Horses were the main form of transport if you were wealthy enough. Otherwise, you'd have to walk.
I was an archer in the army of Henry VIII and my name was mentioned on the muster roll in 1536. What was a muster roll?
Correct
A muster roll was an inventory of men available for battle.
Wrong
A muster roll was an inventory of men available for battle.
Can you guess What a bowyer makes?
Correct
A bowyer makes bows.
Wrong
A bowyer makes bows.
Why were the waterways so important?
Correct
Waterways were so important because boats carried food and other essentials, that were vital to the economy and survival of town members.
Wrong
Waterways were so important because boats carried food and other essentials, that were vital to the economy and survival of town members.
The Avon means “river”, so River Avon actually means “River River.” Stratford means to cross the narrowest part of the river. A ford is a shallow place with good footing where a river or stream may be crossed by wading.
Who did Dr John Hall marry?
Correct
Dr John Hall married Susannah Shakespeare... William Shakespeare's daughter.
Wrong
Dr John Hall married Susannah Shakespeare... William Shakespeare's daughter.
Why was glass so expensive?
Correct
Glass was produced by hand. This level of craftsmanship meant it was expensive.
Wrong
Glass was produced by hand. This level of craftsmanship meant it was expensive.
Can you guess what Shakespeare left to his wife?
Correct
In Shakespeare's will, it stated that he'd left his second best bed to his wife.
Wrong
In Shakespeare's will, it stated that he'd left his second best bed to his wife.
What part of the house was taxed in Tudor times?
Correct
The width was taxed in the Tudor times. In 1698, tax for windows was introduced.
Wrong
The width was taxed in the Tudor times. In 1698, tax for windows was introduced.
What time did school start in the summer?
Correct
Summer school started at 6am. It started at 7am in the winter. School finished at 5pm.
Wrong
Summer school started at 6am. It started at 7am in the winter. School finished at 5pm.
What lessons did they learn in school?
Correct
In Tudor times the lessons were Latin, Rhetoric, Religion, Maths, Greek.
Wrong
In Tudor times the lessons were Latin, Rhetoric, Religion, Maths, Greek.
What was a whipping boy?
Correct
A whipping boy was a lad employed to take beatings in school, on behalf of a rich student.
Wrong
A whipping boy was a lad employed to take beatings in school, on behalf of a rich student.
Why did the churches have paintings on the walls?
Correct
Churches had paintings on the wall as most people couldn't read or write. The paintings illustrated Biblical stories, so they could follow along.
Wrong
Churches had paintings on the wall as most people couldn't read or write. The paintings illustrated Biblical stories, so they could follow along.
Why were the paintings removed/washed over?
Correct
The paintings were removed/washed over because Protestants did not believe that there should be statues or any representation of holy figures.
Wrong
The paintings were removed/washed over because Protestants did not believe that there should be statues or any representation of holy figures.
Why were there so many taverns?
Correct
There were so many taverns because the water was so dirty, it was safer to drink beer.
Wrong
There were so many taverns because the water was so dirty, it was safer to drink beer.
Why were the streets named after animals?
Correct
Livestock was taken to market through the streets
Wrong
Livestock was taken to market through the streets