LOVERS of William Shakespeare have been raising a glass in memory of the Bard.

As well as being St George's Day – today is the great playwright’s birthday. But with social distancing measures still in place, celebrations have once again, been ‘virtual’.

Members of Oxford Preservation Trust had the rare honour of toasting him in one of his former haunts – the Painted Room in Cornmarket.

The room, above a phone shop and bookmakers, is is all that remains of the 13th century Crown Tavern of which Shakespeare’s friend, John Davenant, was innkeeper.

The great writer, poet and dramatist would stay there, and take welcome refreshment, on his trips between London and Stratford.

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Stephen Dawson from the trust, said: "Normally, there would have been a procession from the Town Hall with people all dressed up in their gowns and uniforms joined by musicians and a town crier as they make their way to the Painted Room to raise a toast to the Immortal Bard. But this year again, it was not possible to do this.

"We are therefore asking people to raise a toast with us virtually and send us their photos."

The trust has also shared a virtual tour of the Painted Room alongside a self-guided Shakespeare trail and family activities for people can do at their leisure.

Share your pictures of your Shakespeare birthday celebrations with the trust on its social media channels.

More details on the trust – the guardian of the city's heritage and historic or valuable built and open spaces at oxfordpreservation.org.uk.