Town (pop., 1995 est.: 28,000), Warwickshire , England.
It is located on the River Avon . The town's first royal charter was granted in 1553. For centuries a country market town, it became a tourist centre because of its association with William Shakespeare , who was born and died there; his grave is in the parish church of Holy Trinity. The Shakespeare Centre in Stratford includes a library and art gallery (opened 1881) and a theatre (opened 1932). Every year from March until October, Shakespeare's plays are performed in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.