items ranging from Roman times to the 1930s, but has a strong core of 16th- and 17th-century pewter. Shakespeariana Items linked to William Shakespeare himself, such as the purported Shakespeare's signet ring. Social History A wide range of objects illustrate the civic, social and working life of Stratford-upon-Avon through the ages. Textiles Examples of Elizabethan embroidery and 17th-century painted cloths. Education and activities The Trust hosts a variety of events and provides talks, lectures and courses related to Shakespeare for the general public, and for students at all levels ranging from primary school pupils (with the Heritage Education team) to university students. Through its education department, the Trust also runs international programmes throughout the year on Shakespeare's writings. The SBT runs the Stratford-upon-Avon Poetry Festival, the oldest in the UK. The SBT introduced the new Shakespeare Film Festival to its events calendar in 2012, the first festival of its kind in the UK. At Mary Arden's Farm the SBT rears prize-winning livestock including Cotswold sheep and Longhorn cattle. The Trust begun holding an artist in resident from 2015, the first being held by Roger Hartley who runs the Bureau of Silly Ideas. Others to hold the position include Thor McIntyre and Carrie Reichardt. References Further reading External links Shakespeare Birthplace Trust Acts 1891 and 1961 on the UK Parliament website 1847 establishments in England