Description:Minutes of a meeting of the Stratford Corporation, 7 September 1569: 'Mr John Shakysper hygh balyf' heads the list of aldermen and chief burgesses attending. Shakespeare's father, John, had been active in Corporation affairs since the late 1550s, and in 1568 had been elected high bailiff (or mayor). This should have been John's last meeting as high bailiff but there were difficulties over electing his successor and he appears to have served for at least another two months.
Shakespeare Birthplace Trust reference: BRU 2/1, p. 137