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Shakespeare & Beyond

UNESCO gives 'Shakespeare documents' cultural status on its Memory of the World register

The copy of bargain and sale signed by the vendor when Shakespeare purchased the Blackfriars Gatehouse in London in 1613
The copy of bargain and sale signed by the vendor when Shakespeare purchased the Blackfriars Gatehouse in London in 1613

Ninety documents relating to William Shakespeare’s life have been added to the UNESCO International Memory of the World register, giving them the same cultural status as Magna Carta and the Gutenberg Bible. The 90 ‘Shakespeare documents’ recognized by UNESCO touch on Shakespeare’s baptism, burial, family matters, property records, legal actions, and business dealings.

Six of these documents belong to the Folger Shakespeare Library collection, including papers related to his real estate purchases in London and Stratford-upon-Avon. The other 84 documents selected by UNESCO come from six UK libraries and archives: the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, which led the successful nomination with The National Archives, Worcestershire Archives and Archaeology Service, the College of Arms, the British Library, and London Metropolitan Archives. (The Folger is the only American institution included.)