Ledbury man to restore Shakespeare's tombstone

4:11pm Tuesday 13th May 2008

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A HEREFORDSHIRE architect has been given the task of restoring William Shakespeare’s tombstone.

Ian Stainburn, of Ledbury-based Stainburn Taylor, is carrying out a number of repairs at the Collegiate Church of Holy Trinity in Stratford, where the Bard was a lay-preacher.

Shakespeare died, aged 52, in 1616 and had the honour of being buried inside the church near the altar.

Mr Stainburn, who is aware the stone carries a curse for anyone who attempts to move it, is instead proposing to move the chancel rail forward so that clergy no longer have to tread on the grave while standing near the altar.

The complete restoration is unlikely to be finished before Easter 2009.