better known] and divulged and their children and posterity in all virtue to the service of their prince and country [encouraged]. Being therefore solicited and [by] credible report informed that John Shakespeare of Stratford-upon-Avon in the county of Warwick, whose parents and late antecessors were for their valiant and faithful service advanced and rewarded by the most prudent prince King Henry the Seventh of famous memory, sithence which time they have continued in those parts in good reputation and credit, and that the said John having married Mary, daughter and one of the heirs of Robert Arden of Wilmcote in the said county, Esq. In consideration whereof and for encouragement of his posterity, to whom these achievements may [?] descend by the ancient custom and laws of arms, I have therefore assigned, granted, and by these presents confirmed this shield or coat of arms; viz., Gold on a bend sable a spear of the first, the point steeled, proper; and for his crest or cognizance a falcon, his wings displayed, argent, standing on a wreath of his colors, supporting a spear—gold—steeled as aforesaid, set upon a helmet with mantels and tassels as hath been accustomed and more plainly appeareth depicted on this margent. Signifying hereby that it shall be lawful for the said John Shakespeare, Gent., and for his children, issue, and posterity at all times convenient to make show of and to bear blazoned the same achievement on their shield or coat of arms, escutcheons, crest, cognizance or seals, rings, signets, pennons, guidons, edifices [?], utensils, liveries, tombs, or monuments, or otherwise, at all times in all lawful warlike facts or civil use and exercises, according to the laws of arms without let or interruption of any other person or persons. In witness whereof I have
