Shaws Corner, (NT) - Ayot St Lawrence

The home of George Bernard Shaw from 1906 to his death in 1950 and known as Shaw's corner.

Shaw chose to live here after seeing the tombstone in the churchyard to 'Mary Ann South. Born 1825. Died 1895.' The inscription goes on to note 'Her time was short', and the playwright reasoned that a parish which regarded 70 years as a brief lifespan was the right place in which to look forward to a long and fruitful age.

The house is an unremarkably Edwardian villa with unusual brass door knocker by Rose Banks Danecourt, depicting Shaw and inscribed 'Man and Superman'. The rooms are small and simple and have remained as they were during his lifetime. Many of his personal belongings are on display including his pens and typewriter, the Oscar awarded to him for 'Pygmalion' for best film in 1938 and photographs of Stalin, Gandhi and Lenin. The garden has an interesting revolving summerhouse where Shaw used to work.

Dogs in car park only no back packs or baby carriers allowed in the house, but front sling baby carriers available no refreshments available or shop.

Disabled parking about 30 yards from house. House: two six-inch steps in and out of this small house rooms are roped off