Hello readers, as The Stratford Artist my favourite subjects are the historic buildings of Stratford-upon-Avon. A few years ago, I started a project to draw and paint all the town's structures that are on Historic England's "listed buildings" schedule. There are over 350 in the town centre alone of which I have dealt with 50 or so.

To add unique interest to my work I do a little research into the history of each building looking for a quirky story, be it fact or fable, which I then illustrate with my little characters.

This is the third in a series of articles featuring a picture and story from my historic buildings collection. I hope you like it.

The Town Hall

Stratford-upon-Avon Town Hall sits at the corner of Sheep Street and Chapel Street. The Grade II* Listed building was completed in 1767. It is constructed in limestone, underscoring it’s importance to the civic leaders at the time. The arches on the ground floor were originally open to allow use by traders on market days. Windows and doors were added in 1863. A statue of William Shakespeare stands in a niche in the Sheep Street elevation. This was presented to the town in 1769 by actor David Garrick when he officially opened the Town Hall. His name also graces a nearby tavern (my previous article). In 2022 the statue was expertly restored to be unveiled by modern day Shakespearean actors Dame Judi Dench and Sir Kenneth Branagh.

My picture gives a nod to an earlier “Market House” which stood on the site from 1634. During the English Civil War the town had been occupied by Parliamentary forces under the command of Lord Brooke and the Market House was being used as a munition store. Early on the morning of 25^th February 1643 an explosion of gunpowder wrecked the building. Although repaired it eventually fell into a dangerous state and was replaced by the building which stands today.

You can only imagine the conspiracy theories and fake news that spread throughout social media on 25^th February 1643! The explosion was of course blamed on a Royalist “Gunpowder Plot”. Although possibly just an accident, my picture recalls the incident and shows a Parliamentary Roundhead thwarting another plot as the Royalist Cavalier flees the scene!

Originals or prints from my historic buildings collection are often available and I welcome commissions for portraits of your home or other favourite building. Email me at ken.morgan96@yahoo.com for details.

© Ken Morgan

Ken Morgan, aka The Stratford Artist, is a professional artist working from his studio close to the River Avon in Stratford-upon-Avon. His favourite subjects are the historic buildings and structures in and around his hometown. He works in ink and watercolour. Architectural accuracy is important, but his style brings life to the pictures, often helped by the addition of humorous or quirky characters.

Another thing...can you find the little blackbird which appears in all Ken's pictures?

See more of Ken Morgan's work on Instagram @thestratfordartist.