The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust have launched ‘A House for All Time’ - a fundraising campaign to conserve Hall’s Croft, one of England’s most significant Jacobean buildings, after a car accident caused severe damage to the property last month. 

The Trust - the charity that cares for Shakespeare’s family homes - is seeking to raise £500,000 immediately as part of a Phase 2 conservation programme to safeguard the 400-year-old timber-framed house for future generations.

Hall’s Croft, the former home of William Shakespeare’s daughter Susanna Hall and her husband Dr. John Hall, was struck by a vehicle on the morning of Friday 17 October when a driver accidentally reversed into the side of the building. The impact shattered several oak beams and left a gaping hole in the roadside wall, exposing the building’s interior to the elements. 

While no one was injured, the structural damage to this Grade I listed house is not inconsiderable. Emergency scaffolding and supports were put in place within hours by the Trust’s conservation team to stabilise the site. Immediate repairs will be funded by the driver’s insurance, but the Trust now needs to move quickly into an unfunded £2.5m conservation programme.

Rachael North, Chief Executive of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, said: “Incidents like this are a stark reminder of how vulnerable our heritage is, and how vital it is to invest in its protection. We’re asking for everyone’s support - whether you’re a local resident or simply someone who loves Stratford’s history - to help us save Hall’s Croft. Every donation will bring us one step closer to ensuring this wonderful place remains part of Stratford’s story for generations to come.”

The campaign, A House for All Time, will fund critical work not only to fix the recent damage but also to address underlying structural issues at Hall’s Croft. The Trust had already begun conservation on the property’s aging timber frame earlier this year (thanks in part to a generous donation received in 2024 from Playwright Ken Ludwig), but the accident has accelerated the need for a much larger second phase of work. 

Ken Ludwig, Playwright said: “Hall’s Croft is one of the most human connections with Shakespeare the man that exists in the world, and donating to Phase One of the conservation of the building is one of the most fulfilling things I’ve ever done. There are a number of ways we can all support Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, and one of them is symbolically supporting the very timbers that have held this house up for over 400 years. I hope you’ll join me in supporting this project. Every donation will make a difference helping to ensure that Hall’s Croft remains standing.”

The immediate fundraising target is £500,000. The overall project is expected to cost around £2.5 million to complete Phase 2 of the full conservation of Hall’s Croft. Subsequent Phases will cost a further £4m-£5m. The Trust cannot fund such an extensive project on its own and is turning to the public, supporters, and grant-makers for help.

Local residents and businesses are being encouraged to get involved. The Trust has already received messages of support and even some early donations from well-wishers in the community and beyond. 

“We’ve been so touched by the immediate offers of help – it’s clear that people feel a personal connection to Hall’s Croft,” said Ms. North. “It’s not just a museum; it’s a piece of our town’s identity. We hope Stratfordians and friends around the world will rally around this campaign. If everyone gives a little, we can achieve something tremendous together.”

How to Help: 

The Trust has announced an ‘Adopt-a-beam’ initiative where donors may symbolically fund individual timbers in the ancient house. Donors at different levels will receive a sealed certificate of adoption for the timber. The highest tier of donation in the Adopt-a-Beam programme with receive an actual piece of salvaged Hall’s Croft timber.

Donations to the Hall’s Croft A House for All Time campaign can be made via the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust’s website. Every contribution, no matter the size, is welcomed.

The Trust is a registered charity, so donations can be maximised with Gift Aid and 100% of donations will go toward the Hall’s Croft project. For larger gifts or partnership opportunities, individuals and businesses can contact the Trust’s fundraising team at development@shakespeare.org.uk.