John Shakespeare,'Yeoman' of Lapworth

Taken from ''Shakespeareana Genealogica', and the Will of John Shakespeare

A search of the IGI for the marriage of John Shakespeare, Yeoman, of Lapworth, reveals only one entry:

• 22 Jan 1589, St Martin In The Fields, Westminster, London, Joan'es Shackspere & Dorothea Dodde

However, Stopes (Chapter 14) makes it clear that this marriage entry refers to a 'London' John.

From the information in his will John was related to Humphrey Shakespeare, also of Lapworth. Also mentioned in the will is a Francis Shakespeare, the grandson of his brother Christopher. This same Francis is mentioned in a Packwood deed, now owned by the Harvard Law School. The mention of his brother Christopher is the vital clue that John was the son of an earlier Christopher, who was of Packwood.

Another Lapworth Shakespeare, Thomas, a Fuller, who died about 1653 is also detailed in 'Shakespeareana Genealogica', but from the information given his probable relationship is not clear, although his will mentions his 'kinsman', Thomas Sly - certainly connected to Humphrey, as mentioned in the will of Elizabeth Shakespeare, Spinster, of Lapworth.