Tree Planting Ceremony

Since 1778 a mulberry tree has been present in Abington Park, Northampton, home of William Shakespeare’s granddaughter, Elizabeth Hall. This tree was planted by the great actor David Garrick from the very tree that Shakespeare planted in his own garden in Stratford upon Avon at the request of King James I.

Join Michael Pennington, currently performing in King Lear, as he plants a new tree to remember Shakespeare and to mark the 400th anniversary of his death. Storyteller Jo Blake-Cave, will be revealing the full, unusual history of how this tree came to be in Northampton and its connection to some of the greatest Shakespearean actors of all time, including David Garrick, Sir Henry Irving, Sir Laurence Olivier and Sir Gyles Isham. The event will also include an original composition by local period musician Richard York.

Supported by Northampton Community Foundation