The "leading English seminary in Rome" has revealed documents which may lend support to the theory that the famous playwright William Shakespeare was Catholic. These documents - "guest books for visiting pilgrims" - contain three 16th century signatures, namely "Arthurus Stratfordus Wigomniensis", "Shfordus Cestriensis", and "Gulielmus Clerkue Stratfordiensis", which they believe to be cryptic entries for "(King) Arthur's (compatriot) from Stratford (in the diocese) of Worcester", "Sh(akespeare from Strat)ford (in the diocese) of Chester", and "William the Clerk from Stratford." The dates of the signatures, which fall within the "lost years" of Shakespeare's life, "suggest that the playwright sought refuge" at the seminary.
The theory that Shakespeare was a "covert Catholic" is bolstered by certain of his writings which are said to be "rich in Catholic thought and rituals", as well as the fact that "Shakespeare's parents, friends and teachers were Catholics, as were some of his patrons." He also reportedly purchased property that was "a secret meeting place for fugitive Catholics" (remember that during the time of the Protestant Rebellion, Catholics may have been forced to practice their faith covertly or risk being tortured and martyred). Considering the evidence, one biographer had recently concluded that Shakespeare was a Catholic "and that his religion is the key to understanding his life and work."
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