A historic home associated with William Shakespeare's family has been added to the Heritage at Risk Register after being struck by a reversing vehicle.
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust (SBT) confirmed that Hall's Croft in Stratford-upon-Avon, a Grade I-listed building, has been placed on Historic England's annually updated list. The property was once home to Shakespeare's eldest daughter, Susanna, and her husband, John Hall, as well as the playwright's last living descendant, Elizabeth Bernard.
In October 2025, a car reversed into the building, causing substantial damage to one of its walls and leaving ancient timbers exposed to the elements. The incident prompted Historic England to add the 400-year-old structure to its official register of heritage at risk.
Hall's Croft is considered one of the most significant historic buildings in Stratford-upon-Avon, deeply connected to Shakespeare's origins and family life. The property forms a crucial part of a broader heritage that links the town to a global audience fascinated by Shakespeare's life, times, and enduring legacy.
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, which is responsible for preserving Shakespearean heritage in the town, has committed to removing the building from the register and restoring it. The charity acknowledged that the listing highlights both the urgency of the situation and the scale of investment needed.
Work has already begun on a £1 million conservation effort to stabilise the building. However, a full restoration could cost up to £10 million and may require replacing the roof. Historic England will monitor the preservation work as it progresses.
