Thomas Greene's note of Shakespeare's freehold lands in Old Stratford, 5 September 1614. Page 1

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Date:5th of September 1614

Description:In 1602, Shakespeare bought 107 acres in Old Stratford, Bishopton and Welcombe. These were made up of parcels scattered through the open fields, with some of them concentrated in the area which was, in 1614, to be the scene of an attempted enclosure by a local landholder, William Combe.

The Stratford Corporation was against the scheme and, when Thomas Greene, the town clerk, heard about it, he listed those freeholders whose interests might be affected. Shakespeare tops the list with the estate which he had bought in 1602. No-one else held more than 15 acres.

His list was written on a blank page of a survey carried out in 1603.

A modernised transcript reads:

'Ancient freeholders in the fields of Old Stratford and Welcombe Mr Shakespeare: 4 yard lands, no common land nor land beyond Gospel Bush; no ground in Sandfield nor in Sloe Hill beyond Bishopton, nor any in the enclosure beyond Bishopton'.

Shakespeare Birthplace Trust reference: BRU 15/1/94


Timeline

The timeline shows resources around this location over a number of years.

1560s
John Shakespeare, High Bailiff of Stratford-upon-Avon, 1569
John Shakespeare, High Bailiff of Stratford-upon-Avon, 1569

Minutes of a meeting of the Stratford Corporation, 7 September 1569: 'Mr John Shakysper ...

1590s
'Mr Shaxsper' sells stone to the Stratford Corporation, 1597/8 - detail
'Mr Shaxsper' sells stone to the Stratford Corporation, 1597/8 - detail

Entry in the chamberlains' accounts submitted to the Stratford Corporation for the ...

1610s
Survey of leaseholders on the manor of Old Stratford, c. 1603. Page 1
Survey of leaseholders on the manor of Old Stratford, c. 1603. Page 1

In 1603, a survey was made of leaseholders of land owned by the Corporation. This ...

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Donor ref:BRU 15/1/94 (21/10160)

Source: The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust - Record Office

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