Stratford Foul Deeds and Suspicious Deaths

Book excerpt: Foul Deeds and Suspicious Death in Stratford and South Warwickshire is an exploration of the darker history of the area. Behind the famous tourist industry of Shakespears everyday life on farms and factories carried on just like anywhere else. Ancient superstitions and curious legends provided inspriation for the great bard and other authors but real life was punctuated by sudden death, jealousy and ruthlessness. This book examines some of the most dramatic incidents in detail. Dranw from contemporary sources, newspapers, legal documents and coroner's records; each case provides a glimpse into life and death in its historical setting. The changes in the town, both in its architecture and social values from the background to the lives and deaths of its citizens.