The recent discovery of a previously unknown floorplan has shed new light on the mysterious location of William Shakespeare's only London property. This revelation not only pinpoints the exact spot of the house Shakespeare purchased in 1613 but also reveals its layout and size, offering a fresh perspective on the playwright's later years in the city. Personally, I find this discovery particularly fascinating as it challenges long-held assumptions about Shakespeare's retirement and his relationship with London. What makes this finding even more intriguing is the potential implications for our understanding of Shakespeare's work and personal life. The floorplan, uncovered by Shakespeare expert Professor Lucy Munro, reveals that the property spanned the eastern end of Ireland Yard, the bottom of Burgon Street, and parts of late-nineteenth-century buildings at 5 Burgon Street and 5 St Andrew's Hill. This discovery not only confirms the location of Shakespeare's house but also provides a more detailed picture of its surroundings, including the neighboring tavern, 'The Sign of the Cock'. The plan also indicates that the property was substantial enough to have been divided into two houses by 1645, suggesting that Shakespeare may have spent more time in London in his later years than previously thought. This raises a deeper question: could Shakespeare have used this property as a writing space or a place to stay during his visits to London? The discovery also sheds light on the property's history after Shakespeare's death, revealing how and when it left the possession of the writer's descendants and how much they sold it for. The fact that the property was destroyed in the Great Fire of London just one year after its sale adds a layer of tragedy to the story. In my opinion, this discovery is a significant contribution to our understanding of Shakespeare's life and work, offering a more nuanced view of the playwright's relationship with London and his potential involvement in the city's cultural and social life. It also highlights the importance of archival research in uncovering hidden truths and challenging long-held assumptions. Overall, this finding is a testament to the power of human curiosity and the endless possibilities for discovery in the realm of history and literature.
