The Bard of AVON is a nickname for William Shakespeare, the famous English playwright and poet. The term 'Bard of AVON' refers to his birthplace of Stratford-upon-AVON in Warwickshire, England. Shakespeare is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. His works have been translated into every major living language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright.