John Ward (vicar)
Charles Severn identified John Ward as a man born in 1629 within the village of Spratton, Northamptonshire. His family had actively supported the Royalists during the English Civil War that raged across England. Ward's father suffered capture at the Battle of Naseby while fighting for King Charles I. The diarist himself maintained a continuing devotion to this Royalist cause throughout his life. He received his Master of Arts degree in divinity from Oxford University in 1652. While studying there he also made a dedicated study of medical literature alongside theology.
The year 1662 marked a turning point when Charles II appointed Ward as vicar of Stratford-upon-Avon. This appointment followed the removal of the Cromwellian vicar Alexander Bean after the Act of Uniformity took effect. Bean appears to have set up a rival non-conformist congregation after losing his position. Ward took over duties as rector of the Church of the Holy Trinity shortly thereafter. He lived in London before arriving in Stratford to begin his new ministry responsibilities.
Entries about medicine appear frequently in Ward's notebooks suggesting he practiced as a medical doctor in Stratford. His diary indicates that he had a persistent cough and was physically frail for much of his time in Stratford. Despite these health struggles he intended to pursue philological studies. He promised himself to learn Arabic, Old English and Hebrew during his tenure. These personal notes reveal a man balancing spiritual duties with physical limitations and intellectual curiosity.
Ward's diary extends from 1648 to 1679 covering three decades of local history. The original manuscript was preserved in the Library of the Medical Society of London for many years. Charles Severn transcribed and published the work in 1839 under the title Diary of the Rev. John Ward. It is now held by the Folger Shakespeare Library where scholars can access it today. The document contains medical observations theological drafts sermons and anecdotes about local figures.
Five specific entries refer directly to William Shakespeare within Ward's handwritten journals. One passage mentions the marriage of Shakespeare's daughter Susanna to local doctor John Hall. Another entry claims Shakespeare earned an absurdly high income according to Karl J. Holzknecht's analysis. A third note describes a supposed night drinking session with Michael Drayton and Ben Jonson. Gerald Eades Bentley noted that Ward was at least in a better position to get facts than anyone else who wrote on the subject. A fourth remark references Peter Heylin omitting Shakespeare from lists of writers in his book Cosmographie.
John Ward died at the age of 52 on the 7th of September 1681 after serving as vicar for nineteen years. He was buried on the 13th of September following his death in Stratford-upon-Avon. The diarist remained unmarried throughout his life leaving no direct heirs behind. His will leaves his property to his brother rather than a spouse or children. This final act concluded a life marked by Royalist loyalty medical practice and historical recording.
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Common questions
When was John Ward born and where did he grow up?
John Ward was born in 1629 within the village of Spratton, Northamptonshire. His family actively supported the Royalists during the English Civil War that raged across England.
What year did Charles II appoint John Ward as vicar of Stratford-upon-Avon?
The year 1662 marked a turning point when Charles II appointed Ward as vicar of Stratford-upon-Avon. This appointment followed the removal of the Cromwellian vicar Alexander Bean after the Act of Uniformity took effect.
How many years did John Ward serve as vicar before his death on the 7th of September 1681?
John Ward died at the age of 52 on the 7th of September 1681 after serving as vicar for nineteen years. He was buried on the 13th of September following his death in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Where is the original manuscript of John Ward's diary currently held today?
The document contains medical observations theological drafts sermons and anecdotes about local figures. It is now held by the Folger Shakespeare Library where scholars can access it today.
Did John Ward ever marry or have children according to his will?
The diarist remained unmarried throughout his life leaving no direct heirs behind. His will leaves his property to his brother rather than a spouse or children.