Master Jenkins

Master Jenkins was a tailor in London in the late 1500s. William Shakespeare was a regular customer, both on his own behalf and on behalf of his acting company. One cool, wet autumn day Shakespeare arrived to collect a new King's robe that Jenkins had been commissioned to make. Jenkins had forgotten it was to be ready that day but put aside the work he had been doing to complete it. It took over an hour but Shakespeare managed to bargain five shillings off the price for his delay.

Adding to Shakespeare's frustration was that the delay left him in Jenkins' shop when the Spaniard’s Auto da fe ceremony began. The crowds that gathered to watch it would greatly delay his returning home. Jenkins suggested he stay to watch it but Shakespeare was reluctant to do so until Jenkins also suggested it might present a piece of business that Shakespeare could use in one of his plays.