Public lecture by UCLan academic examines the evidence 

What is the evidence for the theory that Shakespeare spent some of his ‘lost years’ living in Lancashire?

Senior Lecturer in Theatre and Drama Catharine Frances will present the evidence on both sides of the debate in the Harris Library on Shakespeare’s birthday, 23 April, between 5.00pm and 7.00pm.

Speculation about where the Bard spent his lost years continues to be hotly debated and controversial.

Catharine said: “Some scholars believe the will of Alexander Hoghton from 1581 is evidence that Shakespeare may have spent time in the Hoghton household as a young man. This key document in the Lancastrian Shakespeare debate is housed in the Lancashire Records' Office in Preston.

“Our Theatre History students have the opportunity to examine this and other primary historical documents relating to theatre in Lancashire as part of their course. This public lecture comes from our students’ enthusiastic response to the idea that Shakespeare may have lived in Lancashire at Hoghton Tower and their research journey through the circumstantial evidence and its various contemporary interpretations.”

The talk is part of a series of public lectures given by UCLan’s English Literature team. Free tickets are available on the door.