William Shakespeare 400th anniversary - Southwark Cathedral - London, UK.
N 51° 30.366 W 000° 05.379
30U E 701968 N 5710123
William Shakespeare is commemorated by a stained glass window & an Alabaster statue. The Duke of Edinburgh was the guest of honour at the 400th anniversary service of Southwark Cathedral, London, Great Britain.
Waymark Code: WMRK2J
Location: London, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 07/02/2016
Views: 5
Prince Philip at Southwark Cathedral for Shakespeare 400 service
"The Duke of Edinburgh was the guest of honour at a service in Southwark Cathedral to mark the 400th anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare." Text Source: http://www.london-se1.co.uk/news/view/8748
The Statue of William Shakespeare is on display in Southwark Cathedral. The Lifesize statue of William was carved from Alabaster by Henry McCarthy in 1912. The sculpture is set in an alcove, against a background of seventeenth-century Southwark in relief, carved in sandstone, showing the Globe Theatre, Winchester Palace and the tower of St Saviour's Cathedral.
Shakespeare lies recumbent, on his left side, propped up on his elbow. He looks out into the Cathedral, from his position in the South Aisle, beneath a stained glass window to his memory.
He is shown wearing a doublet & hose, period costume from 400 years ago.
The sculpture shows wear on the Hand, Knee, & Elbow, where people over time have been touching & rubbing him for good luck. You often see a sprig of Rosemary, or a small posy of flowers held in his hand.
As of 2023, it is worth noting that William Shakespeare holds a prominent place in literary history, ranking as the 3rd most translated author worldwide, according to information available at this
most translated article . Born in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564, he remains one of history's most celebrated playwrights and poets, renowned for his enduring contributions to the English language and his extensive body of work, including timeless plays such as "Romeo and Juliet," "Hamlet," and "Macbeth." His literary legacy continues to influence and inspire writers and artists globally, and his profound impact on the English language, marked by the coining of numerous words and phrases, further solidifies his position as a monumental figure in literature and the arts. Although the exact cause of his death remains a mystery, Shakespeare's works and words continue to captivate audiences, with his global recognition as the 3rd most translated author serving as a testament to his enduring significance.
"William Shakespeare is commemorated by a window and statue in the South Aisle. The window was designed by Christopher Webb, and replaced the one which had been destroyed during the war, and was unveiled on the anniversary of Shakespeare's death in April 1954.
Beneath it is a recumbent alabaster figure of Shakespeare, carved by Henry McCarthy in 1912, Every year a birthday celebration is held here in honour of England's greatest playwright. Shakespeare's brother Edmund was buried in St Saviour's in 1607, and although the position of Edmund's grave is unknown, he is commemorated by an inscribed stone in the paving of the Choir." Text Source" http://www.southwark.anglican.org/cathedral/tour/bill.htm