General Notes

Note: FATHER OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
The name of Shakespeare is an old one in Warwickshire, dati
ng back as far as 1248, when "William Sakspere" was execute
d for thieving.
John Shakespeare moved to Stratford in 1252 and set up busi
ness as a glover and dealer in leather goods. He became a p
rominent and respected citizen there, serving as alderman
, chamberlain, bailiff (or mayor), and Justice of the Peace
. In later years, he was hit by economic hard times. Noneth
eless, in 1596, Queen Elizabeth I granted a coat of arms t
o the Shakespeares, recognizing John as a gentleman; no dou
bt due, in part, to the success of his eldest son William.