December 1614

William Shakespeare's income may again be at risk from enclosure,
Town Clerk Thomas Greene's diaries reveal.

Controversial new proposals would see open fields in east and
north east Stratford divided by ditches. The new 'enclosures'
could then be used for the lucrative business of livestock breeding.
Many fear that plots of open farmland would be swallowed up.

Greene has called at New Place and has written to Shakespeare
about possible damage to his interests. The pair have also held
discussions in London. Greene believes that Shakespeare's income
from his share of local tithes would be cut, since tithes are raised
on crops of corn, grain, and hay - not cattle.