The Evidence

All history is a detective story. And like any historical investigation, our Shakespeare Dossier relies on the primary or first-hand sources for Shakespeare's life and works.

Read Michael Wood's article, "Shakespeare and the Documents"

Explore Some of the Evidence:

John Shakespeare's fine for wool dealing Court documents held at the Public Records Office

Stratford Council records Records of the council that show the rise and fall of William Shakespeare's father

Baptismal register, Stratford parish church The first documentary evidence of the existence of William Shakespeare

Shakespeare's summons Public Record Office documents showing William's summons

Marriage certificate Marriage certificate records held at Worcester Cathederal

William Knell coroner's report Report on the murder of one of the Queens' Men players

Coat of arms application William's handwritten application for a Coat of Arms for his father

Burial of Hamnet Shakespeare The death of William's young son

Shakespeare's will The Last Will and Testament of William Shakspere

Burial of William Shakespeare Burial Record, Stratford parish register