The Hollywood influence of the film "Hamnet" is set to transform Stratford and Weobley.
Even before hitting theaters, the movie "Hamnet," directed by Chloé Zhao and featuring actors Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal, generated buzz and was considered a strong contender for the Oscars. This cinematic adaptation draws inspiration from Maggie O'Farrell's acclaimed 2020 novel, offering a fictional glimpse into the personal lives of William Shakespeare, his spouse Agnes—better known as Anne Hathaway—and their family dynamics.
As the film officially premiered in the UK on Friday, excitement has surged around its filming locations, with hopes that the allure of Hollywood will rejuvenate tourism in these historic areas.
Shakespeare, originally hailing from Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire, is closely associated with the region. However, much of the filming took place approximately 60 miles (96.5 kilometers) away in the quaint village of Weobley, located in Herefordshire. Could this infusion of Hollywood charm redirect attention to the West Midlands?
Richard Paterson, the Chief Operating Officer of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, expressed optimism about the film's potential impact on local tourism. "I believe it will be phenomenal for the town. The advantages are immense, particularly since we recognize that the filming didn't occur in Stratford itself; it still casts a spotlight on places like Anne Hathaway's cottage," he noted.
"Hamnet reimagines the families, landscapes, and influences of home—elements that are at the heart of what Shakespeare wrote about. If I were a member of the public, why wouldn’t I want to visit the actual sites?"
Must-See Locations
- Anne Hathaway's Cottage: This charming thatched-roof home on Cottage Lane, Shottery, in Stratford-upon-Avon is where Anne grew up and is a place that Shakespeare frequented during their early courtship. It boasts a picturesque garden filled with plants and trees, making it a lovely site for visitors.
Paterson elaborated, "Shakespeare drew inspiration from the stunning landscapes of Warwickshire, and Maggie O'Farrell shared a similar experience during her visit. The town has already seen a considerable amount of foot traffic, and while it’s too soon to measure the exact influence of the film, I’m confident it will leave a mark. Expect an increase—perhaps between 10% to 20%."
He emphasized the importance of this exposure, stating that it's crucial for keeping Shakespeare's legacy vibrant. "The beauty of film, alongside the book and its reinterpretations, showcases how relevant Shakespeare remains in contemporary culture. Any efforts to recreate his world will have benefits both locally and globally, highlighting the significance of his work."
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust manages five homes linked to the playwright: Anne Hathaway's cottage, Shakespeare's birthplace, his mother’s farm, New Place (where he passed away), and Halls Croft, the residence of his family after his death.
"Stratford as a town remains largely unchanged, so when you walk its streets, you are following in the footsteps of Shakespeare and his family," he added.
The 'Hamnet Herefordshire Effect'
In Herefordshire, Nick Mason, a county councillor for the Weobley ward, remarked, "The once quiet village of Weobley has truly come alive... it felt like a slice of Hollywood right here in Hereford." He noted that the film serves as a form of marketing that no amount of money could replicate.
Although the village underwent some modifications for filming—such as covering signs and laying down straw to create a period-appropriate look—it still retains much of its historical charm from 1596, the time frame in which the movie is set. The village features numerous black-and-white structures dating back to the late 15th and early 16th centuries, and as described by Visit Herefordshire, the surrounding landscape is both pastoral and reminiscent of Shakespearean imagery, allowing visitors to easily immerse themselves in the film’s world.
In fact, the village has already begun to attract tourists inspired by the film, with the local history society reporting encounters with visitors on Boxing Day. Jo Hilditch, chair of Visit Herefordshire, stated, "The entire Hollywood effect, or what we’re calling the Hamnet Herefordshire effect, is going to be tremendously beneficial for our tourism sector. We are actively capitalizing on 'Hamnet'; we've created walking trails, falconry experiences, and even foraging events."
The Hamnet-themed walking trail kicks off in Weobley, guiding visitors through filming locations across green pastures and country lanes, culminating in Pembridge—a neighboring village celebrated for its picturesque timber-framed buildings, just a two-hour hike away. Additionally, there is an exhibition available in the village's library and museum that delves into the film's production process.
Mason continued, "Tourism plays a pivotal role in Herefordshire. Even a modest increase in tourist numbers can significantly enhance the services available to our residents. Everyone desires a village that boasts a pub, a café, and restaurants. The more tourists we attract, the higher the chances are for these establishments to thrive, which is vital for the village’s sustainability in the long run. We are collaborating with various partners to ensure that visitors are aware of all that Herefordshire has to offer and how they can enjoy their stay."
Join the Conversation
What are your thoughts on the impacts of films like "Hamnet" on local tourism? Do you believe Hollywood's influence can indeed revitalize small towns, or do you think it can lead to commercialization that detracts from local culture? We’d love to hear your opinions! Let us know in the comments.
