STRATFORD has passed GO and collected its very own Monopoly board.
Over 30 local landmarks, businesses and charities have taken up residence on the squares of the town’s board which will be officially revealed today (Thursday).
The Shakespeare Hospice and Heart of England Mencap have secured their places as Community Chest squares.
Shakespeare’s Birthplace and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage landed Mayfair and Park Lane respectively in the public vote, which makers of the board say was the ‘most keenly fought’ race they have ever seen.
Philippa Rawlinson from the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, said: “We are delighted to see the two most iconic and much-loved of Shakespeare houses take the leading two spaces on the new Stratford Monopoly board.
“Shakespeare’s Birthplace and Anne Hathaway’s ?Cottage have been welcoming visitors from all over the world for hundreds of years and it feels right that they continue to remain the fabric of our town’s historic identity.
“We are also thrilled that Shakespeare’s New Place, the re-imagined site of Shakespeare’s final home? also features in the cultural set on the new board, paying homage to Shakespeare’s enduring legacy and global influence.”
The board also features Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and the Guildhall, the MAD Museum, the High Street, Henley Street and Stratford Butterfly Farm and Holy Trinity Church.
The Stratford Observer has also been lucky enough to lay claim to a Chance square.
Monopoly spokeswoman Natasha Rebuck said: “The board is a celebration of Stratford and we would like to thank everyone who has voted for the landmarks that appear and star on it.
“We are sure it sums up the heritage and spirit of what we have been told over the last six months is ‘the world’s most famous town’.
“We certainly wouldn’t argue with that and the great and good of the town is now for all to play and enjoy!”
The board is now available to buy in store and online at retailers including Waterstones, WH Smith, The Works, Amazon and at both the RSC and Shakespeare Birthplace gift shops.
