Shakespeare, Spirits & Scandal: The Story of 1 High Street, Stratford-upon-Avon

A Toast to History: 1 High St

Step inside 1 High St, and you’re walking into one of Stratford‑upon‑Avon’s oldest and most fascinating buildings. This striking Grade II* listed structure dates to around the early 1600s, with evidence suggesting parts of its timber frame and cellars may reach back to the mid‑1400s. Long before it became a craft gin and rum haven, 1 High St was at the heart of a bustling town, connecting Stratford’s historic market with the parish church – one of the town’s principal commercial thoroughfares since medieval times.

Judith, Hamnet, and Family Drama

From 1616, 1 High St was home to Judith Shakespeare, the youngest daughter of William Shakespeare, and her husband Thomas Quiney, a vintner and wine merchant with a taste for the finer things in life — and, it seems, a tendency to keep Stratford talking.

Judith’s life was anything but quiet. She married Thomas in 1616, in a ceremony that caused a stir after it was discovered the couple had married during Lent without the proper licence (never one to follow the rules too closely, it seems). Soon after, Thomas became embroiled in a local scandal involving another woman, leading to appearances in the ecclesiastical courts – proof that Shakespearean drama didn’t stop at the stage.

Yet Judith’s story is ultimately one of resilience. She lived through outbreaks of plague, social upheaval, and profound personal loss. Her twin brother Hamnet Shakespeare died at just eleven years old — a tragedy widely believed to have influenced works such as Hamlet. Later in life, Judith endured the devastating loss of all three of her own sons. Despite this, she lived to the age of 77, outliving much of her immediate family and quietly carrying forward the Shakespeare legacy.

Gin-spiration

Judith and Hamnet’s story continues to inspire today. Maggie O’Farrell’s bestselling novel Hamnet brings the siblings’ lives vividly to life, and the recent film adaptation, highlighted at the Oscars, has captivated audiences worldwide.

We’re proud to celebrate the twins in our Gin! Judith’s Pink Gin is full of fresh, vibrant flavours, bringing together delicate floral notes, bright citrus, and a gentle sweetness of red berries, creating a beautifully balanced and uplifting serve — elegant, but with plenty of character (much like Judith herself).

And for her twin, we created Hamnet Blue, a distillery special Gin that is as striking in appearance as it is in flavour. With its vivid natural blue hue and a profile built around classic juniper, zesty citrus, and carefully selected botanicals, it offers a smooth, refreshing finish with a subtle complexity — a twin to our Judith’s Pink Gin.

A word of warning: Hamnet Blue is down to the last few bottles – don’t miss your chance to raise a glass to history!

Judith’s School of Spirits

In 2021 we transformed the upper two floors of 1 High St into Judith’s School of Spirits, offering Gin Tastings and Rum Tastings, Cocktail Masterclasses, and our popular Rum School. Given Thomas Quiney’s profession as a vintner and wine merchant, it’s not hard to imagine the building once filled with conversation, commerce, and the clink of glasses – a tradition we’re proud to continue today. We like to think Judith would be raising a glass from above in approval.

Historical Titbits to Sip On

• Parts of the building’s timber frame and medieval cellars survived the High Street fires of the late 1500s, making this one of Stratford’s most historically significant homes.
• The building may have once housed an early town gaol known as The Cage, before later serving Thomas Quiney’s wine and tobacco business.
• High Street is part of Stratford’s celebrated Historic Spine, connecting sites associated with Shakespeare’s family and the town’s medieval commercial life.

English Tourism Week

As English Tourism Week draws to a close, 1 High St offers a perfect stop for anyone exploring Stratford-upon-Avon’s Shakespearean heritage. From Shakespeare’s Birthplace to Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Hall’s Croft, and beyond, you can trace the footsteps of history – and then round off your journey with a tasting of Judith’s Pink Gin or Hamnet Blue Gin in a building steeped in story, spirit, and a touch of Shakespearean drama.

Whether you’re here for literature, libations, or a bit of both, raise a glass at 1 High St to Judith, Hamnet, and the enduring magic of the Shakespeare family – past, present, and very spirited.