Quiney, Richard, approximately 1557-1602

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October 8, 1587

Parish register entry recording Richard Quiney's baptism

Richard, Richard and Elizabeth Quiney’s fourth child, was baptized on October 8, 1587, according to the Holy Trinity Church parish register. He is remembered for his letter to his father composed in Latin at the age of about eleven, asking for two paper books.

October 25, 1598

The only surviving letter to Shakespeare: Letter from Richard Quiney asking for Shakespeare's assistance in securing a loan of £30

This is the only known surviving letter written to Shakespeare, but he may never have received it. (No known letters survive written by him.) It is addressed “To my Loveinge good ffrend & contreymann Mr.

January 24, 1598

Letter from Abraham Sturley to Richard Quiney, including a mention that William Shakespeare was contemplating a purchase of land in Stratford-upon-Avon

In this letter, dated January 24, 1598, Abraham Sturley wrote to fellow Stratford townsman Richard Quiney about several town matters, including a rumor regarding Shakespeare’s intent to purchase land.

November 4, 1598

Letter from Abraham Sturley to Richard Quiney including a reference to the possibility that William Shakespeare might help in the securing of a loan

On October 25, 1598, Richard Quiney wrote both to Shakespeare, asking for his help in securing a loan of £30 and to his friend Abraham Sturley in Stratford-upon-Avon to let him know the request had been made.

ca. November 4, 1598

Letter from Adrian Quiney to his son Richard Quiney including a reference to possible negotiations with William Shakespeare on financial matters

While in London in the autumn of 1598, Richard Quiney received five letters from his father Adrian. Four are dated (October 20 and 29, November 10 and 18).

November 24, 1598

Letter from Daniel Baker to Richard Quiney including a possible reference to the money with which William Shakespeare’s help might be procured

While in London during the autumn of 1598, Richard Quiney received at least four letters from Daniel Baker, written on October 17, October 26, November 13 and November 24, the last of which is shown here. Baker addresses Quiney as his uncle, and refers to Quiney’s wife as his aunt.

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.