A parade has taken place in Oxford to celebrate the birthday of William Shakespeare.
Town and Gown gathered on the morning of April 23 for a procession from Oxford Castle to the Painted Room on Cornmarket.
The tradition, maintained by Oxford Preservation Trust, stewards of both sites, saw the high sheriff, deputy lord mayor, sheriff of Oxford and chair of the county council, along with the Bedels and Proctors, walk down Queen Street to the tunes of medieval musicians, the Oxford Waits.
They were also entertained by the Oxford Imps, an improvised comedy group, with Shakespeare inspired theatre performances.
Dr Lynn Robson raised a birthday toast to Shakespeare in the Painted Room, quoting Falstaff's famous line about the positive effects of sherry: "It ascends … into the brain … and … becomes excellent wit."
The Painted Room, tucked away on Cornmarket, is part of a 14th-century timber-framed tavern, with colourful Elizabethan wall paintings.
It is where William Shakespeare stayed during his journeys from London to Stratford-upon-Avon.
Anna Eavis, CEO of Oxford Preservation Trust, said: "It was wonderful to see the local community come together to celebrate Shakespeare’s birthday in such a special place.
"The Painted Room is a remarkable survival, evocative of Oxford’s urban history.
"Oxford Preservation Trust is proud to care for it and to open it to the public."
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