The discovery was made by Shakespeare expert Professor Lucy Munro of King's College London. The property was bought by Shakespeare in 1613 and was described by Munro as a 'relatively substantial dwelling' that was later divided into two houses. It was 'above average' in value for its area, according to reports.
Munro said the discovery challenges the narrative that Shakespeare retired to Stratford and spent no more time in London. 'It encourages us to rethink our assumptions about Shakespeare's relationship with London in the later part of his life,' she added.
It was a 'relatively substantial dwelling'.
Three documents were uncovered: two from The London Archives and one from The National Archives. One document is a plan of part of the Blackfriars precinct drawn up in 1668 after the Great Fire of London. The location of the blue plaque on 5 St Andrew's Hill is on the precise spot of Shakespeare's London home, the documents confirm.
It remains unknown what the exact internal layout of the property was, or how long Shakespeare actually lived there after purchasing it.
This discovery throws into question the narrative that Shakespeare simply retired to Stratford and spent no more time in the city.
It encourages us to rethink our assumptions about Shakespeare's relationship with London in the later part of his life.