The name of Shakespeare does not occur again, but, curiously enough, another entry shows Richard Burbage at similar work, at a time very near the close of the poet’s life:
25 Martii, 1616. Given to Richard Burbidge for my Lorde’s shelde, and for the embleance, iiiili. xviiis.
It seemed quite clear that the above entry referred to the poet, and yet many students have an uneasy sense of dissatisfaction, and I have been tempted to mention two alternative theories. The money that was paid him “about my Lord’s impreso” might have been paid him to convey to some one else; or the entry might refer to another “Mr. Shakspeare” altogether. There was one in London at the time. A John Shakspeare married Mary Gooderidge in St. Clement Danes on 3rd February 1604-5. He was a fashionable bit-maker, was in the royal service, and might well be called “Mr.” by the Belvoir Steward. He was probably master of the Loriners’ Company, though we cannot be sure of this, as the early books of the guild are lost. But we know that in St. Clement Danes he was buried: “John Shackespeare, the King’s Bitmaker, 27 Jan., 1633”; and that the King was indebted to him at his death to the extent of £1,692 11s. (See my “Shakespeare’s Family,” p. 147.)
Many entries of payments to him are recorded in the Wardrobe Accounts of Charles as Prince and King, for wares concerning horses, carriages, tournaments, and tiltings—so many that I can only here give limited selections.
In the account of Sir John Villiers, Master of the Wardrobe to Prince Charles—-Exchequer Q.R. 434 (4), 1617—there appear:
To John Shakespeare for 18 Bitts, with guilte Bosses at xxs. a piece, xviiili.
More for 18 cavasson irons at xs. a piece, ixli.
To John Shakespeare for a strong removing vice for the sadler’s office, 1s.
To John Shakespeare for trymming of bittes, for esses, cheynes, bolts, rivets, curbes, and new mouthing, and for all manner of reparacions, as under the hand of the Clarke of His Highness’ stable appeareth, lvli. iis.
In the second account of the same nobleman—Exchequer Q.R. 434 (9), 1617—there occur: