Shakespeare purchases the Blackfriars Gatehouse

The Shakespeare Documents.

Shakespeare purchases the Blackfriars Gatehouse: copy of bargain and sale signed by vendor.

Shakespeare’s copy of the deed for his purchase of the Blackfriars Gatehouse, London (within 600 feet of Blackfriars theatre), signed by Henry Walker, 10 March 1613. MS Z.c.22 (45) recto.

The Shakespeare Documents provide a documentary trail of the life of William Shakespeare (1564-1616) and key archival sources for understanding the English author’s life. These unique handwritten documents, dating from within Shakespeare’s lifetime, name him and provide an evidential basis for understanding the narrative of his life and how this inspired and influenced his creative works. They provide glimpses into Shakespeare’s personal life, his birth, death, family affairs, property and business dealings, as well as his context within a period of history that saw major changes in cultural, religious and socio-political society.