It is quite possible that the Henley Street houses were entailed upon his eldest son, or that he may have bought up all rights during his father's lifetime to such an extent that "inheritance" could hardly be talked of. He seems to have indeed supported all the family, as there is no trace[135] of any of them, except Edmund the player, engaging in any trade or profession. Whether his mother resided in Henley Street or at New Place is not clear. There is nothing further known of her save the register of her burial: "September 9th, 1608, Mayry Shaxspere Wydowe."
No sepulchre or memorial of her has come down to our time. We only know that somewhere in the consecrated ground by Stratford Church lies the dust of John Shakespeare and Mary Arden, the parents of the poet.
SHAKESPEARE'S BIRTH-HOUSE BEFORE THE RESTORATION IN 1857.
FOOTNOTES:
[120] Stratford-on-Avon Chamberlain's Accounts, April 29, 6 Edward VI.
[121] Stratford-on-Avon Baptismal Register.
[122] All these references are from the Chamberlain's Accounts, and accounts of the Halls at Stratford-on-Avon. Those who have not had access to them may refer to Halliwell-Phillipps's "Outlines," i. 29; ii. 179 et seq.
[123] Worcester administration bonds, 1561. Notes and Queries, 8th Series, xii. 413.
[124] This statement is, however, evidently erroneous.