Local hero splashes out - but tithes will net bard £424

The £440 tithe deal signed today. Shakespeare stands to
gain £424 if he lives to a ripe old age.

24 July 1605

Shakespeare today became a shareholder in Stratford's
tithes, at an initial cost of £440.

Now he will take a payment equal to a tenth of all
farming produce from the fields of Old Stratford,
Welcombe and Bishopton - every year, for the next
21 years.

In return, Shakespeare will also pay the Corporation
an annual rent of £17.

By 1626, Shakespeare will have netted £424 in profit.