May 13, 2026
by A forgotten detail in archives in London has uncovered a piece of the puzzle regarding the life of William Shakespeare: the exact location of his house in the city.
The Discovery that Changed Everything
Until now, historians knew that Shakespeare had acquired a residence in Blackfriars, an area with roots in a 13th-century Dominican monastery. However, its exact location remained approximate—near the gate of the complex. This changed thanks to the research of Professor Lucy Munro from King’s College London, who found a map of the area from 1668 in the London Archives. “It was an unexpected discovery,” she noted, explaining that the finding emerged from a study on the theaters of the time.
The house of William Shakespeare in London was identified on a map of the Blackfriars area dating back to 1668. Source: CNN
What Shakespeare’s House Looked Like
By comparing the map with earlier descriptions, Munro found that the details “fit” accurately. The house appears to have an L-shape, with part of it extending over the gate of the complex. The same design reveals its surroundings: nearby were buildings such as the Sign of the Cock tavern, and while the residence was not huge, it was quite spacious. “It wasn’t small—at one point, it was even divided into two separate houses,” explains the researcher.
An Aristocratic but “Mixed” Neighborhood
When Shakespeare purchased the property in 1613, Blackfriars was considered a prestigious area. It was home to members of the upper class, but gradually, professionals and craftsmen began to settle there. This social “mix” reflects the changing character of London at the time.
How This Changes the Image of His Later Years
The discovery adds a new dimension to Shakespeare’s last years before his death in 1616. Until now, the belief was that after the Globe Theatre fire in 1613, he withdrew to Stratford. However, the new evidence suggests otherwise. Shakespeare not only remained in London but continued to work and collaborate—among others, with John Fletcher on the play “The Two Noble Kinsmen.”
Investment or Conscious Lifestyle Choice?
Another question that arises is why he purchased this particular property. Munro is not convinced by the view that it was merely an investment. If that were the case, there would have been many other options in London. Instead, the close proximity to the Globe—just a few minutes away—indicates that Shakespeare remained actively connected to his theatrical activities. “It’s not the image of an isolated creator,” she emphasizes. “It’s someone who collaborates, invests, and lives at the heart of artistic life.”
A New Piece in the Puzzle of Shakespeare
Will Tows from Shakespeare’s Globe described the finding as “impressive,” noting that it sheds light on a more vibrant and “urban” side of Shakespeare. The study will be published in the Times Literary Supplement, confirming something that historians often overlook: even for the most iconic figure in English literature, there are still unknown details waiting to be revealed.
With information from: CNN
