est inventus infra libertatem hujus burgi. Franciscus Boyce, serviens.[1]
(G) June 7, 1609. Order issued against Thomas Horneby to show cause why he should not, as surety for the defaulting Addenbrooke, pay Shakespeare the six pounds and twenty-four shillings which the court had awarded to the latter. Endorsement showing that the notice has been served on Horneby.
LI. COMPLAINT OF SHAKESPEARE AND OTHERS TO THE LORD CHANCELLOR REGARDING THE STRATFORD TITHES (1609).[2]
Stratford Corporation Records.
To the Right Honorable Thomas Lord Ellesmere, Lord Chancellor of England. In humble wise complaining shewen unto your honorable good Lordship your daily orators, Richard Lane of Awston in the county of Warwick, Esq., Thomas Greene of Stratford-upon-Avon in the said county of Warwick, Esq., and William Shackspeare of Stratford-upon-Avon aforesaid in the county of Warwick, gentleman . . . [A very elaborate document reciting the intricate history of the lease of Stratford tithes, interests in which are held by some forty different persons besides the three complainants. The entire property is subject to a yearly rent of 27 l. 13 s. 4 d. to John Barker’s assignee, Henry Barker, who will be legally entitled to recover possession if any part of this is unpaid. Shakespeare’s holding—about an eighth of the entire property—is by his deed charged with £5 as his contribu-
- ↑ ‘The below-named John has not been found within the liberties of this borough.’
- ↑ See ‘Shakespeare’s Moiety of the Stratford Tithes,’ Modern Language Notes, Dec., 1925.
