How To Play Lily's Garden

This year marks the 400^th anniversary of William Shakespeare's death and, to mark the occasion, we are exploring the playwright's love of the British countryside which provided much inspiration for his plays. Here are six of his most famous settings...

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1. The cliffs of Dover - King Lear

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Gloucester is suicidal and in taking advantage of his blindness, Edgar, his son, tricks him into thinking they are at the edge of the cliffs. He jumps, and after falling only two feet, Gloucester is still alive and is convinced the Gods saved him.

2. Forest of Arden, Warwickshire - As You Like It

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Described in the play as a "pastoral" setting, The Forest of Arden is frequented by those escaping from hectic life at French Court. The exact location of the forest that inspired Shakespeare is the topic for much debate – while many believe it to be attributed to "Ardenne" forest in France, there is also a Forest of Arden near to where Shakespeare grew up in Warwickshire.

3. Glamis Castle, Angus - Macbeth

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Glamis today may seem more akin to a French chateau then a haunted medieval castle, due to much restoration over the years. In this famous Shakespearean tragedy, Macbeth is hailed as "Thane of Glamis" by the Three Witches and the King's murder is just one of many that are believed to have taken place at the castle.

4. Clydach Gorge, Brecon Beacons - A Midsummer Night's Dream

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Local legend has it that the settings for this comedy were based on this magical hidden valley on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Today, the place is popular among walkers and cavers, with a picnic site for families.

5. Windsor Castle and grounds, Berkshire - The Merry Wives of Windsor

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The only Shakespearean comedy with an all-English setting, this play about Elizabethan middle class life takes its audience to the rural town of Windsor, Berkshire. Other than the castle itself, there are mentions of other local places, such as Windsor Park and Frogmore Fields, which would have been frequented by locals at the at the time of writing.

6. Hampton Court Palace, Surrey - Henry VIII

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Another royal residence, Hampton Court Palace is the primary setting for this play, which tells the story of the instabilities of the English royal court in the late 15^th and early 16^th centuries.

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