LONDON — For years, tourists believed they were getting a glimpse inside the house where William Shakespeare's mother lived as a child.

New research shows they were at the wrong address.

The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust said Wednesday that research proves beyond a doubt that the Bard's mother grew up at Glebe Farm, not the property currently called Mary Arden's House, which is located just 50 yards away in Wilmcote, a little village outside Stratford-upon-Avon.

The trust previously had taken the word of local historian John Jordan, who identified the house in 1792 — though visitors were told by guides that there was no certainty.

View Comments

Now researchers commissioned by the trust have found a property deed dating from 1587 that proves Arden lived at Glebe Farm years earlier.

Church of England records in London confirmed the find.

By chance, the trust owns both properties.

"It's a wonderful coincidence," said Nick Walsh, estate manager at the Wilmcote site.

Join the Conversation
Looking for comments?
Find comments in their new home! Click the buttons at the top or within the article to view them — or use the button below for quick access.