# Shakespeare Institute

> archival institution in United Kingdom

**Wikidata**: [Q7462802](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7462802)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shakespeare_Institute)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/shakespeare-institute

## Summary
The Shakespeare Institute is an archival institution and academic department located in Stratford-upon-Avon, United Kingdom. Founded in 1951, it operates as a part of the University of Birmingham and serves as a dedicated center for postgraduate study and research.

## Key Facts
- **Founding:** Established in 1951.
- **Location:** Stratford-upon-Avon, United Kingdom (Postal Code: CV37 6HP); Historic County: Warwickshire.
- **Parent Organization:** University of Birmingham.
- **Institution Type:** Academic archive and university department.
- **Contact:** Email (silib@bham.ac.uk); Phone (+44-121-414-9525).
- **Archives Identifier:** Archives Portal Europe ID is GB-2188; Archon Code is 2188.
- **Social Media:** Twitter handle @ShakesInstitute (verified); over 13,000 followers reported as of February 2023.
- **Coordinates:** 52.18975°N, 1.70935°W.

## FAQs
### Q: Is the Shakespeare Institute part of the University of Birmingham?
A: Yes, the Shakespeare Institute is a department and academic archive operating under the parent organization of the University of Birmingham.

### Q: When was the Shakespeare Institute founded?
A: The Institute was founded in 1951.

### Q: Where is the Shakespeare Institute located?
A: The Institute is located in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, United Kingdom.

## Why It Matters
The Shakespeare Institute represents a critical convergence of academic rigor and archival preservation. As a specialized arm of the University of Birmingham situated in Stratford-upon-Avon—the birthplace of William Shakespeare—it provides scholars with direct access to primary sources and a focused research environment. Its designation as an "academic archive" distinguishes it from standard libraries, highlighting its role in preserving specific historical records related to Shakespearean performance and scholarship. By maintaining a verified digital presence with a substantial following (over 13,000 on social platforms), it bridges the gap between historical scholarship and modern public engagement, serving as a global point of reference for Shakespeare studies.

## Notable For
- **Unique Location:** Situated in Stratford-upon-Avon, the historic heart of Shakespearean history, rather than the main university campus in Edgbaston.
- **Academic Archive Status:** Functions specifically as an academic archive, distinct from a general university library.
- **Global Identifier Recognition:** Holds standardized identifiers including ISNI, VIAF, and Ringgold ID, confirming its status in global academic networks.
- **Digital Engagement:** Maintains a verified and active social media presence (@ShakesInstitute), engaging a growing international audience.

## Body

### Overview and Mission
The Shakespeare Institute is a postgraduate research and archival institution. It is classified as an "academic archive" and a "university" department. It serves as a premier destination for the study of Shakespeare, offering resources that bridge academic research and theatrical history.

### Location and Geography
The Institute is physically located in **Stratford-upon-Avon**, within the historic county of **Warwickshire**, United Kingdom.
*   **Coordinates:** 52.18975 latitude, -1.70935 longitude.
*   **Postal Address:** The postal code is CV37 6HP.
*   **Administrative Context:** While its physical location is Stratford-upon-Avon, its administrative parent, the University of Birmingham, is headquartered in Edgbaston (Birmingham B15 2TT).

### Institutional Affiliations and Identifiers
The Institute is fully integrated into the **University of Birmingham** system. It possesses numerous unique identifiers within academic and archival frameworks:
*   **Archives Portal Europe ID:** GB-2188
*   **Archon Code:** 2188
*   **ISNI:** 0000000403755206
*   **Ringgold ID:** 152889
*   **VIAF ID:** 236527537

### Digital Presence and Contact
The Institute maintains a robust online identity for public outreach and academic inquiry.
*   **Websites:** Main portal at `shakespeare.bham.ac.uk` and a specific library page.
*   **Social Media:** Active on Twitter (@ShakesInstitute, verified since 2011), Instagram (si_players), and Facebook (siplayers).
*   **Direct Contact:** General inquiries can be directed to `silib@bham.ac.uk` or via telephone at `+44-121-414-9525`.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.archivesportaleurope.net/directory/-/dir/ai/code/GB-2188)
2. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. Google Knowledge Graph
5. Quora