The National Archives (UK) | Shakespeare Documented

The National Archives is one of the world’s most valuable resources for academic research and an independent research organization in its own right. As the official archive and publisher for the UK government, and England and Wales they are the guardians of some of the UK's most iconic national documents dating back more than 1,000 years. Their role is to collect and secure the future of the government record, both digital and physical, to preserve it for generations to come, and to make it as accessible and available as possible. The collection at Kew is open to everyone.

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Documents contributed by The National Archives (UK)

February 18, 1601

Examination of Augustine Phillips

In early 1601, Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex, led a rebellion which was over almost as soon as it began.

October 7, 1601

Deed of transfer of the Globe and other properties from Nicholas Brend to Sir Matthew Brown and John Collett, listing "William Shackspeare gent.”

Dated October 7, 1601, this is the first of five enrolled indentures of bargain and sale for the Globe site, naming William Shakespeare as a leasee. The Globe playhouse was first built in 1599 on land leased from Sir Nicholas Brend.

October 10, 1601

Updated deed of transfer of the Globe and other properties from Nicholas Brend to Sir Matthew Brown and John Collett, listing William Shakespeare

Dated October 10, 1601, this is the second of five enrolled indentures of bargain and sale for the Globe site, naming William Shakespeare as a leasee. The Globe playhouse was first built in 1599 on land leased from Sir Nicholas Brend.

1602

Shakespeare purchases New Place: 1602 foot of fine

This is the foot of fine, one of the three copies of the final concord ratifying Shakespeare’s purchase of New Place in 1602. It has been filed with other Warwickshire “feet” among the records of the Court of Common Pleas since 1602.

1602

Shakespeare purchases New Place: 1602 note of fine

SHAKESPEARE DOCUMENTED IS STILL GROWING! Descriptive content and transcriptions will continue to be added, updated and expanded. Check back for regular updates!

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