For centuries, scholars knew William Shakespeare purchased a single property in London—the Blackfriars Gatehouse—in 1613. However, the exact spot where the Bard laid his head remained a mystery after the Great Fire of London wiped the original structure off the map in 1666.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Location: Where Shakespeare Lived
The house sat at the intersection of:
- The eastern edge of Ireland Yard.
- The base of Burgon Street.
- The modern-day sites of 5 Burgon Street and 5 St. Andrew’s Hill.
While a blue plaque has long hung at 5 St. Andrew’s Hill, this discovery confirms that the commemorative marker is actually standing directly over the original foundation.
Key Discoveries from the 1668 Map
Professor Lucy Munro identified the crucial map within the London Archives, revealing several fascinating details about the property:
- Architectural Scale: The home was an L-shaped residence repurposed from a medieval Dominican monastery. It was surprisingly large, measuring roughly 45 feet across, and was eventually divided into two separate dwellings.
- The “Retirement” Myth: The size and prime location of the home suggest that Shakespeare didn’t simply “vanish” to Stratford-upon-Avon in his later years. It’s highly likely he used this London base while co-writing his final plays.
- A Familiar Neighborhood: The map shows the house was located directly across from a tavern called the Sign of the Cock. Modern fans of the Bard can still visit the Cockpit pub, which occupies that same spot today.
The Final Days of the Gatehouse
Shakespeare’s granddaughter, Elizabeth Hall Nash Barnard, sold the property in 1665. It was a Narrow escape from family history; just one year later, the building was completely leveled by the Great Fire of London, leaving only the records we are finally piecing together today.
