Blackfriars Gatehouse (Shakespeare's former property), London

The Blackfriars Gatehouse occupied roughly the same location as the current Cockpit pub in the City of London, just a short stroll from the Blackfriars Playhouse Theatre in Ireland Yard. This was where the King's Men company performed Shakespeare's plays, much like they did at The Globe during the same period. The theater itself was situated on the grounds of a Dominican monastery founded in 1275, nestled between the River Thames and Ludgate Hill; however, King Henry VIII dissolved the monastery in 1538.

According to historical records, William Shakespeare acquired the gatehouse on March 10, 1613, from Henry Walker, described as a "citizen and minstrel (musician)", for the sum of £140. He bequeathed this property to his daughter, Susanna.

The official deed of purchase for this property is still in existence and is currently housed in the London Metropolitan Archives. It contains one of only six "authenticated" examples of Shakespeare's signature. This holds particular significance because, despite Shakespeare's ownership of property in Stratford, it is the sole known property he possessed in London. Given its convenient proximity to the Blackfriars Playhouse and The Globe, it's plausible that the Bard may have considered making it his residence. However, there is no concrete evidence to suggest that he lived there during the three years leading up to his death in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1616.