Recent research has brought to light intriguing new evidence regarding the relationship between the iconic playwright William Shakespeare and his wife Anne Hathaway, suggesting that their marriage may have been more harmonious than long believed. For over two centuries, it has been widely accepted that Shakespeare left Hathaway behind in Stratford-upon-Avon when he moved to London to pursue his career. This longstanding belief was compounded by the fact that he left her little in his will, leading many to speculate that he might have harbored resentment towards her.

However, the discovery of a fragment of a letter, addressed to 'good Mrs Shakespeare', hints at a different narrative. This letter, which had remained unnoticed for years, was fortuitously found within the binding of an old book in Hereford, and it indicates that Shakespeare and Hathaway may have cohabited in central London during the years 1600 to 1610. The research was conducted by Professor Matthew Steggle from the University of Bristol's Department of English.

The content of the letter discusses financial matters related to an orphan boy named John Butts, suggesting that Shakespeare was withholding funds from him and requesting Mrs. Shakespeare to send money instead. Professor Steggle remarked, 'This letter was first discovered in 1978, but for a long time, no one could link the names or places mentioned within it to Shakespeare himself. Its really a tale about their marriage, as well as a glimpse into Shakespeare's connections in London.'

Furthermore, Steggle pointed out that if the writing on the reverse side of the letter is indeed a reply, it would mark the first known piece of writing attributable to Anne Hathaway herself. The letter references a fatherless apprentice, and through meticulous research, Steggle identified only one individual named John Butts in London who fits this description.

The letter also mentions Trinity Lane, and among the four married couples with the surname 'Shakspaire' (the spelling of the time) known to have lived in London during that period, only William and Anne are likely to have resided in that area. Professor Steggle stated, 'This discovery effectively doubles the number of known letters addressed to or sent from Shakespeare and his family. Currently, there is only one other documented instance. This letter also sheds light on a previously unknown aspect of Shakespeare's life in London, providing a new address in Trinity Lane and revealing an entire sphere of social activity.' He concluded by noting that the findings suggest a significant presence of Anne Hathaway in London, a possibility that he believes is difficult to dismiss.

In a discussion on BBC Radio 4's 'World at One' program, author Maggie O'Farrell, renowned for her novel 'Hamnet'which explores the Shakespeare-Hathaway marriage through the lens of the tragic loss of their sondescribed the discovery as both 'thrilling' and 'wonderful'. She lamented the negative stereotypes associated with Hathaway, stating, 'There have been highly respected scholars who claimed she was unattractive, that Shakespeare despised her, or that she tricked him into marriage. Such claims are baseless and perplexing, given there is not a shred of evidence to support them. The vilification and misogyny directed towards her have always baffled me.'

O'Farrell celebrated the discovery of the letter, asserting it provides undeniable proof of the affection between Shakespeare and Hathaway and suggests they likely spent a significant amount of time together in London.

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