Judith Shakespeare

Sir: I was interested to read “Much Ado About Shakespeare” (Spring 2016). However, William Shakespeare had two daughters, Susannah and Judith, but the article only centres on Susannah and her marriage to Dr. John Hall. Judith’s marriage to Thomas Quiney in 1616 was not mentioned. Thomas is brother of my great-grandfather nine times removed.

Judith married into a family of considerable importance in Stratford society since Adrian Quiney was admitted a member

of the Guild of the Holy Cross in 1497. Subsequently, the Quineys had various positions on the Council of Stratford including Chamberlain, Alderman, Bailiff and Bridge Warden (in 1525) in the managing of Clopton Bridge, as it is now known. Richard Quiney, brother of Thomas, had his own Quiney’s Seal in 1591 and with the Visitation of Warwickshire 1682/83 the Quineys were granted a Coat of Arms.

The Quiney and Shakespeare families were friends for four generations including before the birth of William and their closeness is reflected in books that have been written about both families. — MRS. PATRICIA

M.C. QUINEY-BILLAM, SOLIHULL, WARWICKSHIRE.