Shakespeare in London

Upcoming display

On display from 30 June to 25 September 2025

Visit The London Archives this summer to see some of our rarely displayed treasures relating to William Shakespeare. These include a title deed from 1613 showing how Shakespeare bought a property in Blackfriars in the City of London – a document that is one of only six in the world that contains his signature.

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You will also be able to see our Civitas Londinum map, one of the earliest representations of London. This was printed in the early seventeenth century and gives us a rich visual record of the London Shakespeare knew.

engraving of William Shakespeare, who has a bald forehead, hair at the side, beard and moustache and an earring. — London Picture Archive - 322934An engraved copy of the Chandos Portrait of William Shakespeare reproduced in 1820. (the original was produced between 1600 to 1610).

Other highlights

Shakespeare’s artistic legacy can also be seen in the poet John Keats’ 1820 copy of Shakespeare’s plays, which will accompany these items. Owned by Keats during his time living in Hampstead, this precious volume includes Keats’ personal annotations.

The display will be located in the Information Area on the first floor at The London Archives.

Block printed map of London during 1560s — London Picture Archive - 322961'Civitas Londinum' - Detail from the woodcut map formerly attributed to Ralph Agas, c1561. This edition is sheet seven of the version published in about 1633. It shows the area around Bishopsgate and St Helen's Church (shown here in the centre of the map as 'S. Elen'). William Shakespeare's first known lodgings in London are said to have been located close to the church, giving him easy access to The Theatre, which was located in Shoreditch, north of the gate and the City wall.

Discover more content relating to William Shakespeare on the London Picture Archive.

Shakespeare on London Picture Archive