Residents of Shottery cottages to be evicted by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. (Image: Emma Trimble / SWNS)
A storm is brewing in Stratford-upon-Avon as residents near Anne Hathaway’s Cottage face eviction by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, accused of seeking to profit from holiday rentals. Inhabitants of a historic row of cottages, mere steps from the childhood home of Shakespeare’s wife, have been given a mere eight weeks to vacate their homes.
Some tenants, who pay approximately £800 monthly, have resided there for years. The trust, which owns the eight properties on Cottage Lane in Shottery, claims the need for essential repairs and heating system upgrades, expected to take half a year.
Post-renovation plans include transforming these homes into a mix of long-term and short-term lets, sparking fears they’ll be aimed at tourists. Tenants are outraged, with accusations flying that the trust is “ripping out the heart” of the community.
Anthony Greene, 46, a tenant for three years, expressed his dismay: “I was actually discussing with my partner about her moving in, but now that’s ruined.”
He added, “We got an email out of the blue, then a letter telling us we were being evicted and had eight weeks to get out. I thought what the hell?” Even employees of the trust residing there are taken aback by the sudden notice.
“There’s a family here who have been living here for over 20 years, it’s madness.
“If that’s what it is, heating, they can come and do that this week with me here. That’s not a big job.
Don’t miss…
The cottages are situated right next to Anne Hathaway’s Cottage (Image: Emma Trimble / SWNS)
“I’m a site manager and I’ve worked with buildings, there’s nothing here that cannot be done with the residents in situ.
“Unless it’s something about converting them to holiday lets.
“I think 99 per cent they’re going to be holiday lets, it’s all about going after the tourist money.
“It’s all the trust and Stratford care about.”
Anthony is adamant that the two and three bedroom houses will soon metamorphose into holiday rentals, lining the pockets of the trust. He further noted: “The attractions around here are open pretty much all year round. All this ties in nicely with American tourists coming over.
“My rent was £800-a-month, which is one of the reasons why I moved here. It is good value.
“The properties aren’t perfect, there are things that explain that cost.”
…
They have been given eight weeks to vacate despite some being residents for two decades or more (Image: Emma Trimble / SWNS)
Anthony appreciates the benefits he has had, citing “We’ve got communal gardens, downstairs bathrooms and single pane windows. It’s not perfect and I was willing to do work to the property myself.”
However, his search for a new home is fraught with difficulty.
He lamented: “I haven’t got a clue where I’ll live next.”
In Stratford, where he seeks residence, only one house fits his budget, “There’s only one house in Stratford that comes into my price bracket, but it’s smaller than this.”
The thought of leaving his village weighs heavily on him: “I’ll be very sad to leave this village. a lovely, peaceful area.”
Yet, he fondly reminisces about being “I’m about a 20 minute walk from the centre of Stratford and the neighbours are great.”
Residents were notified on February 17 that they were being served with a section 21 eviction notice, giving them two months to vacate their homes. Keith Smith, 50, who has lived in one of the cottages for 18 years with his wife and daughter, paying £725 per month in rent, expressed his shock: “There was no proper contact or a meeting to discuss it. To just get an email was a bit of a shock.”
He added: “I think it’s rather rushed, because it takes time to find somewhere else to live.”
He also shared his wife’s emotional reaction: “My wife was very emotional about it because we’ve been here a long time. It’s a fantastic place to live.”
Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, criticised the trust: “To me the trust is ripping out the heart of the village for the sake of making more money.”
They continued: “The trust don’t want long term tenants like us renting and living here. They want to do the cottages up and rent them to holidaymakers.”
They concluded: “It’s a disgusting way to treat people who have lived in these properties and contribute to village life.”
According to the anonymous source, the reason given is extensive refurbishment works which cannot be completed with tenants in situ. (Image: Emma Trimble / SWNS)
A spokesperson for the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust explained: “In order to meet our statutory requirements all eight properties on Cottage Lane must undergo significant renovation and maintenance work, including new heating systems and insulation.”
They added: “Due to the complexity and invasiveness of the works, which will take at least six months, all tenants are required to vacate the properties.”
They assured: “We have ensured that tenants have been given extended and advance notice, a minimum of three months, to make alternative arrangements.
“The works are being directly funded by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust as part of our wider commitment to conservation across our estate.
“We will work closely with our contractors to ensure that there is minimal disruption to the residents of Shottery as well as the visitor experience at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage.
“Following the completion of the works the trust will seek to re-let these properties on either long or short-term tenancies.”