Shakespeare's Birthplace: documents of title

Description

Lease by Shakespeare Hart of Stratford-upon-Avon Glazier and Ann his wife to Samuel Smith of same place Maltster of a messuage in Henley Street called the Maidenhead therefore in the occupation of William Powell but then of John Martin and another messuage adjoining to the last mentioned messuage in the occupation of the said Shakespeare Hart and four cottages adjoining to the last mentioned messuage in the occupations of John Martin, William Minstrell, Simon Doughty and William Rodes and also a barn on the backside of the said tenements in the Guild Pitts and adjoining to the back gates of the Swan Inn and late in the tenure of Mr. John Capp with all appurtenances for a term of one year at a yearly rent of one peppercorn. Signed Shakespeare Hart and Ann Hart (by her mark) Seals of red wax impression of man's head. Witnesses Ann Hiccox and William Hiccox Note that this house and the release dated the 4th July 1730 were probably executed at sometime before the 9th Feb. 1729/30 because the actual dates are written over erasures and the Fine levied in pursuance of the covenant contained in the release TR46/1/ 18 is dated in the octave of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary 3 Geo. II (9th Feb 1730)