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In October 1598, Richard Quiney, a Stratford townsman, was in London, pursuing business on behalf of the Stratford-upon-Avon Corporation. Whilst there, he penned this famous note to William Shakespeare – the only surviving item from the poet’s correspondence – asking for help in securing a loan of £30. He explains it is to help him pay off his London debts, but a few days earlier, Quiney had received a letter from a Stratford friend, Abraham Sturley, begging for his help in raising £25 to meet the demands of creditors. We also know that, on the day that Quiney wrote to Shakespeare, he penned another letter to Sturley, explaining what he had done.

We do not know if Shakespeare responded to Quiney’s appeal, or even if it was sent; for, although folded, sealed and addressed, it was later found in Quiney’s own papers. However, the real point of interest is Quiney’s confidence that Shakespeare had the means to assist him.  At a time when the Stratford schoolmaster’s annual salary was £20, Shakespeare’s credit must have been thought very sound.

The other interesting feature of the letter is its air familiarity: clearly the two men knew each other well. There is no formality in Quiney’s greeting – ‘Loveinge Contreyman, I am bold with you as with a frende’. Quiney was often in London, and we know that he met Shakespeare on at least one other occasion. His financial success would therefore have been well known in his native town.

An identical facsimile of the letter is on permanent display in the Exhibition on the Life and Background to Shakespeare at his Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Category: People , Paper

Institute: Shakespeare Birthplace Trust

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