Shakespeare's Birthplace: documents of title

Description

Indenture between by Susan Hall and Elizabeth Nash of Stratford-upon-Avon widows of the 1st part. Richard Lane of Stratford-upon-Avon Gent and William Smith of Balsall Gent of the 2nd part and William Hathway of Weston upon Avon Glos. Yeoman and Thomas Hathway of Stratford-upon-Avon Joyner of the 3rd part . Reciting that in Easter Term then last past the said Susan Hall and Eliz. Nash had levied a Fine for a messuage with appurtenances in Blackfryers London near the Wardrobe, the capital messuage in Stratford-upon-Avon called New Place, a messuage with appurtenances in Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon called the maidenhead then in the occupation of John Rutter, another messuage adjoining the last mentioned messuage then in the occupation of Thomas Hart with appurtenances and 4 and a half yard lands in the Common fields of Stratford-upon-Avon , Old Stratford , Bishopton and Welcombe and all other hereditaments therefore the inheritance of William Shakespeare decd. Father of the said Susan to the said Richard Lane and William Smith. It was thereby witnessed that the said Fine was levied to the intent that the said Richard Lane and William Smith might be tenants of the freehold of said hereditament in a Recovery to be suffered wherein the said William and Thomas Hathway should be demandants and the said Susan and Elizabeth vouchees which Recovery should ensure to the use of Susan Hall for her life with remainders to the use of Elizabeth Nash and the heirs of body and in default to the use of the right heirs of Elizabeth Nash. Signed Susannah Hall (Signet Seal) Eliza Nash (Seal of Arms, six escallops 3.2.1.) Rich. Lane and Wm. Smith (with seals) Witnesses Math. Holbeche, Ann Holbeche, Thos. Wyne, William Featherston and Martin Holbeche. No 69 in Birthplace Catalogue. For copy see Saunders, Stratford Collections Vol 11, 65 and also Halliwell-Phillips History of New Place 126