MRS Shakespeare was on hand to receive the tradition donation of bread for Stratford almshouse residents.
The re-enactor from Tudor World received the Richard Smith for Bread donation from Stratford mayor Coun Jason Fotjik in a ceremony which was revived two years ago after not taking place since the 1950s.
Coun Fotjik said:“Municipal Charities undertake an excellent job of providing accommodation for their 47 residents in almshouses. It’s great to be able to continue this ancient tradition of giving out bread to the almspeople with funding from the Charity of Richard Smith for Bread.”
This year Morrisons donated the loaves of bread.
Municipal Charities chief officer William Clemmey added: “We are grateful to Morrisons for providing the bread for this traditional ceremony and to the mayor for giving out the bread. We offer our residents housing as well as grants at Christmas and Easter together with a range of outings throughout the year. If you know anyone who would like to become a resident then do get in touch.”
Each year the Charity of Richard Smith for Bread receives £30 from the Governors of King Edward VI Grammar School for distribution of bread to the alms people.
Richard Smith left money in his will dated June 14 1695 for the distribution of bread to 18 poor people. This has subsequently become a donation of £30 a year for bread for the almspeople.
