The National Archives (UK) | Shakespeare Documented

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Documents contributed by The National Archives (UK)

November 29, 1596

The Langley Writ: Court of King's Bench writ of attachment against William Shakespeare, Michaelmas, 1596

The enrolled entry known to Shakespeare scholars as the “Langley writ” was recorded in the Court of King’s Bench between October 29, 1596 and January 24, 1597. The writ constitutes presumptive evidence that William Shakespeare, formerly of St.

November 15, 1597

London Lay Subsidy Default Roll, St. Helen’s, Bishopsgate, naming William Shakespeare as a householder in 1597

Lay subsidies were a type of tax based on personal wealth. In London, the collection of subsidies was managed at the local level of ward and parish. Each collection typically generated one lay subsidy roll and one default roll for each ward.

May 8, 1597

Shakespeare purchases New Place: 1597 concord of fine

In May 1597, the freehold title to New Place passed from William Underhill to William Shakespeare. This would normally have been recorded in a formal deed of conveyance, signed by the both parties.

May 2-9, 1597

Shakespeare purchases New Place: 1597 note of fine (draft of final concord)

In May 1597, the freehold title to New Place passed from William Underhill to William Shakespeare. This would normally have been recorded in a formal deed of conveyance, signed by both parties.

1597

Shakespeare purchases New Place: 1597 foot of fine

For details about the 1597 foot of fine, see the general essay for Shakespeare's purchase of New Place. The foot has a useful endorsement (the second image) recording the occasions when the final concord was "proclaimed" in open court, as requi

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