The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust
Also known as: The Shakespeare Birth Place Trust, The Shakespeare Trust
To promote in every part of the world the appreciation and study of the plays and works of William Shakespeare.To maintain and preserve the Shakespeare birthplace properties for the benefit of the nation.To provide and maintain a museum and a library of books, manuscripts, records of historical interest and objects of antiquity with reference to Shakespeare, his life works and times.
Activities & Mission
To promote in every part of the world the appreciation and study of the plays and works of William Shakespeare.To maintain and preserve the Shakespeare birthplace properties for the benefit of the nation.To provide and maintain a museum and a library of books, manuscripts, records of historical interest and objects of antiquity with reference to Shakespeare, his life works and times.
Areas of Operation
Where this charity is registered to operate, as self-declared to the Charity Commission. These are regulatory classifications, not a list of active programmes, and don't necessarily indicate fundraising activity in each location.
Local Authority
Financial Information
Financial Efficiency
Higher than 69% of UK Heritage charities with income £1M to £10M (sample: 344). How is this calculated?
Higher than 30% of UK Heritage charities with income £1M to £10M. How is this calculated?
Lower overhead than 24% of UK Heritage charities with income £1M to £10M. (Lower overhead is generally read as more efficient.) How is this calculated?
Latest Financial Breakdown
Income Sources
Expenditure Categories
Financial Trend
Annual Returns
As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2024.
| Financial Year | Income | Expenditure | Charitable Spending | Net Assets | Reserves | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | £8,440,000 | £10,356,000 | £7,971,000 | £28,096,000 | £1,300,000 | 164 / 71 |
| 2023 | £8,733,000 | £9,072,000 | £6,799,000 | £30,232,000 | £4,730,000 | 150 / 36 |
| 2022 | £5,770,000 | £7,342,000 | £5,500,000 | £29,329,000 | £4,974,000 | 131 / 100 |
| 2021 | £3,181,000 | £6,076,000 | £4,669,000 | £28,824,000 | £5,121,000 | 129 / 100 |
| 2020 | £8,162,000 | £8,065,000 | £6,314,000 | £26,665,000 | £2,368,000 | 257 / 100 |
Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers
Frequently asked questions about The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust
What does The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust do?
To promote in every part of the world the appreciation and study of the plays and works of William Shakespeare.To maintain and preserve the Shakespeare birthplace properties for the benefit of the nation.To provide and maintain a museum and a library of books, manuscripts, records of historical interest and objects of antiquity with reference to Shakespeare, his life works and times.
How much income did The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust report in 2024?
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust reported total income of £8.44m and reported expenditure of £10.36m for the financial year ending 2024, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.
How efficient is The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust?
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust has a program ratio of 94.4%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 69% of UK Heritage charities with income £1M to £10M (sample of 344 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.
When was The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust registered as a charity?
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 7 February 1963 as charity number 209302. It has been registered for 63 years.
Who runs The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust?
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is governed by a board of 8 trustees. The chair of trustees is Viscountess Penelope Ann Cobham CBE. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.
Where does The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust operate?
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust operates in Warwickshire, as recorded in its Charity Commission filing.
Is The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust a registered charity?
Yes — The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 209302.
Details
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES
38 HENLEY STREET
STRATFORD-UPON-AVON
CV37 6QW
Registry Information
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Trustees
Also governs 1 other charity
Also governs 2 other charities
Also governs 2 other charities
Also Known As
- The Shakespeare Birth Place Trust
- The Shakespeare Trust
Data & trust
- Register data refreshed
- 14 May 2026
- Methodology
- How metrics are calculated