Magical lamp posts all around the RSC gardens and in the streets

Every time I walk around Stratford I see the lamp posts, but I have never looked at them in great detail. I will make this my mission soon, since they are really interesting and have been donated from all around the world. Having lived in this town now for 30 years, I can’t believe I have never seen them all. But better late then never. Has it got something to do with Shakespeare, I really don’t know. I will investigate further. Ok, having investigated further, it really is a very interesting story. Ok, that was about 6 years ago. I have since found out a bit more about them.

The lamp posts in the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) gardens in Stratford-upon-Avon are a unique feature of the town, with an interesting story behind them. According to local accounts, these lamp posts were gifted to Stratford-upon-Avon by various councils and countries from around the world. They line the streets and pathways, including areas near the RSC gardens, and are often unnoticed by visitors unless they specifically look for them.

This tradition of gifting lamp posts reflects the global cultural significance of Shakespeare and Stratford-upon-Avon as a hub for literary pilgrimage. The lamp posts serve as a subtle yet meaningful tribute to the town's connection to the playwright, symbolizing international appreciation for his legacy. While specific details about the origins of each lamp post or the exact timeline of their installation are not widely documented, their presence adds to the historic and cosmopolitan charm of the area surrounding the RSC gardens.

Donated by the City of Alcala de Henares Spain

Lamp post donated by South Glamorgan

Lamp post from the Kingdom of Jordan

Lamp post donated by the City of Edinburgh

Donated by the City of Derby

Donated by the city of Bonn/Germany

Donated by the Isle of Man

Donated by Medway City Council

Donated by Israel