Plaque to Richard Quiney's Letter, London

This plaque commemorates the sole surviving correspondence both to and from William Shakespeare. The original document is safeguarded as a cherished artifact by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust in Stratford. Dating back to 1598, this letter was composed by Richard Quiney, a merchant and council official from Stratford-upon-Avon, who addressed it to his "dear and esteemed friend, Mr. William Shakespeare." In it, Quiney requested a loan of £30, equivalent to about £3,750 in today's currency.

Interestingly, Richard Quiney's son Thomas later married Shakespeare's younger daughter. Richard Quiney himself ventured to London on business, staying there for four months as he sought relief for the troubled town of Stratford, which was facing dire circumstances due to the latest Subsidy imposed by Parliament at the time.

It appears likely that Shakespeare never received the letter, as it was found among Quiney's papers in the Stratford corporation's archives when he passed away in 1602. However, historical records indicate that Shakespeare did attempt to assist with the matter, possibly through a personal meeting with Quiney. In any case, the story had a positive outcome, as Queen Elizabeth eventually agreed to provide relief for Stratford, and the Exchequer reimbursed Quiney for his expenses incurred during his stay in London.