LXIV. NOTES OF THOMAS GREENE CONCERNING SHAKESPEARE’S ATTITUDE TOWARD THE PROPOSED ENCLOSURES AT WELCOMBE (1614-1615).
MS. notes by Greene, Town Clerk of Stratford, Shakespeare’s cousin and attorney. (Shakespeare Birthplace Museum.)
(A) 5 Septembris, 1614.
Ancient Freeholders in the Fields of Old Stratford and Welcombe. Mr. Shakspeare: 4 yard land.[1] No common nor ground beyond Gospel Bush; no ground in Sandfield, nor none in Slow Hill Field beyond Bishopton, nor none in the enclosure beyond Bishopton.
(B) Jovis [Thursday] 17 Nov. [1614]. My cousin Shakspeare coming [?] yesterday to town, I went to see him how he did.[2] He told me that they assured him they meant to enclose no further than to Gospel Bush, and so up straight (leaving out part of the dingles to the field) to the gate in Clopton hedge, and take in Salisbury’s piece [?]; and that they mean in April to survey the land, and then to give satisfaction and not before; and he and Mr. Hall say they think there will be nothing done at all.
(C) 23 Dec. [1614]. A Hall.[3] Letters written, one to Mr. Mannering, another to Mr. Shakspeare, with almost all the company’s hands to either. I also writ of myself to my Cousin Shakspear the copies of all our acts, and then also a note of the inconveniences would grow [?] by the enclosure.[4]
- ↑ This is the land bought by Shakespeare from the Combes. See documents XXXIV and LII.
- ↑ Greene was in London at this time, but returned to Stratford before the date of the next note (Dec. 23), Shakespeare evidently remaining in the city.
- ↑ I.e. meeting of the Stratford town council.
- ↑ The letter of the Stratford corporation to Mannering, pro-
