The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust has received a £244,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to undertake significant conservation work at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, a renowned historic site in the UK. This initiative is part of a broader conservation programme aimed at preserving the Shakespeare family homes for future generations.

The conservation efforts at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, a Grade I listed building dating back to the fifteenth century, will commence shortly and continue until March 2027. Despite the ongoing work, the Cottage will remain open to the public, allowing visitors to witness the conservation process and learn about the skills involved in maintaining historic buildings.

Mark Ratcliffe, Head of Estates at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, highlighted the importance of the project, stating, “Anne Hathaway’s Cottage is one of the most important surviving historic homes associated with Shakespeare and his family. This funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund will allow us to undertake essential conservation work to protect the building for generations to come.”

The project will not only focus on structural repairs but also offer opportunities for apprenticeships, training, and public engagement in heritage conservation. Liz Bates, Director, England, Midlands & East at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, expressed support for the initiative, noting its significance in connecting people to England’s literary and cultural history.

In addition to the grant, the Michael Bishop Foundation is contributing to the conservation efforts as part of a wider funding programme across all Shakespeare Birthplace Trust sites. The project coincides with increased interest in Anne Hathaway’s story, spurred by the success of the film adaptation of "Hamnet," with special tours available until July 2026

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