Celebrating William Shakespeare

The Mary Wallace Theatre and The Richmond Shakespeare Society

The Richmond Shakespeare Society is a highly-respected amateur dramatic society with membership from a wide area. Founded in 1934 to perform Shakespeare's plays annually in the open air, they have grown to have a programme of eight productions a year by vastly differing playwrights of all eras, from ancient Greece to the modern day.

You can find the RSS at the Mary Wallace Theatre, The Embankment, Twickenham, TW1 3DU.

Garrick’s Temple to Shakespeare

Garrick's Temple was built by the great 18th century actor-manager David Garrick in 1756 to celebrate the genius of William Shakespeare, he then commissioned Robert Adam to improve the house, adding a classical portico and orangery.

At some point in 1755 he decided to build a garden folly by the riverside which he intended to dedicate to his muse Shakespeare as a ‘temple’ to the playwright whose works he had performed to great acclaim throughout his career. He also commissioned the sculptor Roubiliac in 1757 to make a life-size marble statue of his hero to be placed inside, you can now find it at the British Library.

Garrick used the Temple to house his extensive collection of Shakespearean relics and for entertaining his family and friends.

You can find Garrick's Temple on Hampton Court Road, Hampton, TW12 2EN in the public gardens. Please note, Garrick's Temple is free to visit however it is only open to the public on Sunday afternoons from Sunday 7th April until Sunday 27th October 2024

William Shakespeare's Will

You can view William Shakespeare’s will at The National Archives William Shakespeare - The National Archives

National Archives, Ruskin Avenue, Kew, TW9 4DU

Queen Elizabeth and William Shakespeare

Queen Elizabeth made use of Richmond during her reign with Elizabeth's favourite home being Richmond Palace where she later died in 1603.

She frequently visited Richmond at Christmas and Shrovetide and enjoyed having plays performed for her in the palace by companies of players from London. – including the one of which William Shakespeare was a member. Unfortunately not much of Richmond Palace remains today.

Queen Elizabeth valued and supported theatre, her support was highly valuable to Shakespeare and contributed to his success in London.