24 DECEMBER 1977, Page 17

Bacon-Shakespeare link

Sir: Is it not very significant that the owner of the house that Shakespeare bought in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1597, William Underhill, was a kinsman of John Underhill, a gentleman usher to Francis Bacon? William Underhill's step-brother was William Hatton, whose widow Elizabeth, in this same year, was courted by Bacon.

A previous owner of Shakespeare's house in Blackfriars was Ann Blackwell, the wife of Thomas Bacon. In 1604 her son, Matthie Bacon, sold it to Henry Walker, who sold it in 1613 to Shakespeare. Matthie Bacon was admitted to Gray's Inn in 1597.

Francis Carr 20 Park Street, Brighton.