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Shakespeare's environment

Chapter 55: NOTES TERMINAL
By C. C. Stopes
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History - British

About This Book

This work compiles various essays that explore the influences surrounding Shakespeare, focusing on the historical, social, and familial contexts that shaped his life and work. Covering the period from the accession of Henry VIII to the national crisis in 1640, the essays delve into aspects such as Shakespeare's family background, his education, and the literary environment of his time. The author examines the connections between Shakespeare and his contemporaries, as well as the legacy of his influence. Each piece contributes to a broader understanding of the factors that informed Shakespeare's thoughts and character, enriching the portrait of the playwright within his historical milieu.

NOTES TERMINAL

Note to Article III
ANOTHER DEBT OF JOHN SHAKESPEARE

Since my article on “Shakespeare and Asbies” appeared (“Athenæum,” 14th and 21st March) I have had two communications about the Shakespeares. The later, from Mr. Young, seems to suggest another mysterious debt of some John Shakespeare.

Henry Higford, gent., of Solihull, Warwickshire, in his own person appeared on the fourth day against John Shakysper, formerly of Stratford-upon-Avon in county Warwick, “whyttawer,” and against John Musshen, formerly of Walton Dobell in said county, on the plea that each of them should pay him £30 which they owed him; and against John Wheler, formerly of Stratford-on-Avon in said county, yeoman, on the plea that he should pay him 80s. which he owed him, and unjustly detained. And if they did not come and pay, that the Sheriff should bring their bodies here on Easter Day in five weeks (Common Pleas, Roll 1313, membrane 399, Easter 15 Eliz., 1573).

Now this was a “whyttawer nuper de Stratford.” Could this mean a leather-dresser for making gloves? Or could it mean a leather-dresser for making shoes? Was it the John Shakespeare who went to live in Clifford Chambers, and was confused with our John by earlier writers? Or could he be the John Shakespeare who ran his race in Stratford as “corvizer” from 1580 till 1592?

All these questions might be asked, as well as the more important one: Is there any reason to believe that the language at that date could fit John, William Shakespeare’s father? I should be glad to know.

“Athenæum,” 25th April 1914.

PS. Some correspondence followed on as to the meaning of “Whittawer,” and Mr. Arthur Betts sent me his pamphlet on the white tawers, or tanners of white leather. They were held in some discredit owing to their frequently receiving the skins of poached game, and they were forbidden to dwell near a royal forest. I had been puzzled by the use of “nuper” in the citation, but I find it was used only in one of three descriptions, to prevent evasion. I therefore think it must refer to our John Shakespeare.