Family, legal & property records

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May 31, 1602

Parish register entry recording Richard Quiney’s burial

Richard Quiney was buried on May 31, 1602, as recorded in the Holy Trinity Church parish register. On October 2, 1601, he had been sworn in as bailiff for the following twelve months and was thus described as “Mr.

May 1, 1602

Shakespeare purchases Combe property: Conveyance from John and William Combe to William Shakespeare of 107 acres in Old Stratford

John Combe was a wealthy member of a family settled in Stratford since the 1530s. In 1593 he had acquired these 107 acres of land from Rice Griffin, with his equally wealthy uncle and lawyer, William Combe of Warwick, apparently acting in the capacity of trustee.

September 28, 1602

Shakespeare purchases Chapel Lane properties: Copy of court roll recording the assignment of a cottage in Chapel Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon, from Walter Getley to William Shakespeare

Shortly after his purchase of land from the Combes, a major investment, Shakespeare acquired a cottage and a quarter acre of land in Chapel Lane, to be held by a form of tenure known as copyhold.

ca. 1602

Shakespeare's arms challenged by Ralph Brooke, as presented to Queen Elizabeth

In 1602, York herald Ralph Brooke challenged 23 coats of arms granted by William Dethick, including the arms originally granted to Shakespeare’s father, John Shakespeare, and now belonging to William Shakespeare.

1602

Shakespeare's arms defended: the Bodleian Library's copy of Garter and Clarenceux's reply to the York herald

In 1602, Ralph Brooke, York Herald, contested 23 coats of arms granted by William Dethick, Garter King of Arms, including the arms originally granted to Shakespeare’s father, John Shakespeare, and now belonging to William Shakespeare.

1602

Shakespeare purchases New Place: 1602 note of fine