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Shakespeare Connected - Imagining New Place

3. The Villain of New Place

Francis Gastrell was the final owner of New Place and the man behind its demolition. There have been many rumours surrounding Gastrell's decision to pull down New Place. He became an unpopular character with the people of Stratford-upon-Avon and beyond. Many believe that Gastrell demolished Shakespeare’s house, but he actually pulled down a later version of New Place built in 1702. This paved the way for future excavations of the site and is the reason why we now know more about Shakespeare’s family home today.


The Reverend Francis Gastrell
Unknown artist, c. 1770, Painted

 

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