Description:Entry in a survey of Corporation property identifying William Shakespeare and Thomas Combe as lessees of the tithes of corn, grain and hay growing in the fields of Old Stratford, Bishopton and Welcombe.
A sub-lease of the right to collect a share of these tithes, ownership of which had belonged to the Stratford Corporation since 1553, had been acquired by William Shakespeare in 1605.
After the lease had expired, a clerk crossed the entry through to show that it was no longer current.
A modernised transcript reads:
'Mr Thomas Combe & Mr William Shakespeare [inserted over 'The executors of Sir John Hubaud' which has been crossed out] do hold all manner of tithes of corn grain and hay in the towns hamlets villages & fields of Old Stratford, Welcombe and Bishopton, & all manner of tithes of wool, lamb, hemp, flax & other small & privy tithes for the yearly rent of £34 payable at Lady Day and Michaelmas'.
Shakespeare Birthplace Trust reference: BRT 2/1, p. 59