Gilbert Shakespeare

Born in 1556 into a family of John Shakespeare, a glover and alderman of Stratford, Gilbert was a younger brother of the famous poet William Shakespeare.

Gilbert survived the plague and reached adulthood, becoming a member of the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers. As a haberdasher, he was seller of needlework supplies such as thread, needles, and ribbons, living in the parish of St Bride's in London. He spent much of his time in Stratford. In 1609 he appeared in Stratford court in connection with a lawsuit, but details regarding the matter remained unknown. He also acted as his brother agent in purchase of farm land in Old Stratford in 1602.

According to sources, Gilbert had a long and successful mercantile career, and died a bachelor in Stratford in 1612.