Shakespeare protects his interests when enclosure is proposed, 28 October 1614

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Date:28th of October 1614

Description:This endorsement reads:

'Coppy of the articles wth mr Shakspeare'.

As a result of his purchase of a share in the tithes and land in Old Stratford, Shakespeare's interests were likely to be affected by the proposed enclosure at Welcombe. This is a copy of part of the agreement he entered into with William Replingham, acting on behalf of the enclosers, providing for compensation should Shakespeare's income as a tithe-holder be adversely affected. This clause also affected Thomas Greene's interests and his name is included in it. As this copy was found in Greene's papers, we may be fairly sure it was he who arranged for the partial copy to be made. Other clauses may have affected Shakespeare's freehold interests but these were not copied out.

Thomas Greene twice refers to this agreement in his diary.

Shakespeare Birthplace Trust reference. ER 27/3