So what proof do we have that Mr Willem Shaksper, merchant, landowner, squire and entrepreneur, of Stratford-upon-Avon, was the same as Master William Shakepeare, playwright (and possibly spy) of London? Other than the fact that they have similar names?

Admittedly, given fair weather and a decent horse, one could travel between Stratford and London in around three days, but that doesn't mean Bill commuted. For one thing, he'd have had to wait until a merchant caravan was headed out. Travelling solo was basically suicide back then. And whereas a lone rider could do the trip in two days, a merchant train with ox-drawn carts would take nearer five.

Also, for Shakespeare to have written, directed and acted in his own plays, as they say he did, would have meant stays in London which would have bankrupted his businesses in Stratford. No Zoom meetings back then, nor even regular post.

So I'm afraid all that tourist stuff in Stratford is based on a false premise.