Home / Arts and Entertainment / Shakespeare's Lost London Home Found!
Shakespeare's Lost London Home Found!
2 May
Summary
- Shakespeare's missing London home location pinpointed.
- A 1668 map aided professor in finding the property.
- The discovery may alter views on Shakespeare's later years.
A property in London's Blackfriars district, near the River Thames, has been identified as the exact location of William Shakespeare's missing home. Professor Lucy Munro of King's College London discovered this by uncovering a 1668 map and tracing property records back to the playwright. This revelation addresses a mystery that has puzzled historians since the 18th century.
For centuries, scholars believed Shakespeare largely retired to Stratford-upon-Avon after acquiring this Blackfriars property in 1613. However, this discovery suggests he may have maintained a more active presence in London during his later years.
Munro is confident in her findings, citing a continuous paper trail from 1613 to 1667. The property was L-shaped, with a section of approximately 58 square meters that likely had two stories. Its proximity to the Blackfriars playhouse also prompts a reassessment of his activities around 1613.
While direct archaeological excavation is unlikely, the research continues to shed light on Shakespeare's intentions when buying the house, possibly for personal use rather than solely as an investment. This finding adds a new layer to our understanding of the Bard's life.
