Looking for William

Literary tourism has recently emerged as a lively field of research, especially in nineteenth-century studies. As cultural phenomenon it proved to be particularly popular the British Isles, where its origins can traced back eighteenth century. This essay analyses literary relation one England’s most renowned authors: Shakespeare. Garrick’s 1769 Jubilee is explored explain how this well-orchestrated commemorative event paved way for earliest pilgrimages Stratford-upon-Avon. Secondly, Shakespeare family homes, Birthplace, are analysed historical national icons that have elicited ideas Englishness. Finally, there discussion on authenticity Birthplace and The Globe. Using theoretical terminology coined by Lacan Baudrillard, seeks demonstrate inability fully experience authenticity, impossible access reality—Shakespeare’s past—that ceased exist.