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Family, legal & property records

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December 4, 1568
Precept issued by John Shakespeare, justice of the peace to arrest John Ball and bring him before the next sitting of the court of record to answer a plea of debt brought against him brought by Richard Dixon
Stratford-upon-Avon's 1553 charter of incorporation stipulated that the bailiff, acting as justice of the peace, would preside over a court of record held fortnightly (every two weeks), which would handle civil claims of up to £30.
April 15, 1569
Parish register entry recording Joan Shakespeare's baptism, 1569
Joan, John and Mary Shakespeare’s fifth child, was baptized on April 15, 1569, according to the Holy Trinity Church parish register. It was a normal practice at the time to use the name of a deceased child for later offspring.
September 7, 1569
Meeting of the Stratford-upon-Avon Corporation, presided over by the bailiff, John Shakespeare, at which officers for the following year were elected
Following his election as bailiff in 1568, John Shakespeare presided over meetings of the Corporation, although minutes were only properly kept for two – on October 1, 1568 and  April 20, 1569 (Minutes and Accounts, ii, pp. 13-14, 24-5).
1570
Two conveyances of property in Warwickshire by William Clopton showing John Shakespeare as a tenant of Ingon Meadow in the parish of Hampton Lucy
SHAKESPEARE DOCUMENTED IS STILL GROWING! Descriptive content and transcriptions will continue to be added, updated and expanded. Check back for regular updates!
October 21, 1569 and February 1570
Register of recognizances concerning informations, including John Shakespeare recognizing a bond
SHAKESPEARE DOCUMENTED IS STILL GROWING! Descriptive content and transcriptions will continue to be added, updated and expanded. Check back for regular updates!
January 27, 1570
The chamberlain’s account presented to the Stratford-upon-Avon Corporation, including the first recorded payments to troupes of actors visiting the town
In the later part of the 16th century, the chamberlains' accounts submitted to the Corporation show regular payments to traveling troupes of players.
1570
Exchequer, record of fine paid by John Shakespeare for usury
SHAKESPEARE DOCUMENTED IS STILL GROWING! Descriptive content and transcriptions will continue to be added, updated and expanded. Check back for regular updates!
1570
Exchequer, informations and proceedings against John Shakespeare for usury--accused of lending money at interest to John Musshem
SHAKESPEARE DOCUMENTED IS STILL GROWING! Descriptive content and transcriptions will continue to be added, updated and expanded. Check back for regular updates!
September 28, 1571
Parish register entry recording Anne Shakespeare's baptism
Anne, John and Mary Shakespeare’s sixth child, was baptized on September 28, 1571, according to the Holy Trinity Church parish register. Next to the entry, an “X” added by a later hand highlights its significance.
September 5, 1571
Meeting of the Stratford-upon-Avon Corporation at which officers for the following year were elected, including John Shakespeare's election as chief alderman
Under Stratford’s 1553 charter of incorporation, the Corporation elected annually a chief alderman to serve as a justice of the peace. He assisted the bailiff in the execution of his office, particularly at sessions of the court of record.

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