In 1393 King Richard II compelled landlords to erect signs outside their premises. The legislation stated "Whosoever shall brew ale in the town with intention of selling it must hang out a sign, otherwise he shall forfeit his ale." This was to make alehouses easily visible to passing inspectors, borough ale tasters, who would decide the quality of the ale they provided. William Shakespeare's father, John Shakespeare, was one such inspector. COUNT 5
QSN1 Which monarch required landlords to post a sign if they wanted to sell ale? ANS1 Richard II QSN2 In what year did the king demand ale-sellers post signage on pain of forfeiture? ANS2 1393 QSN3 What was William Shakespeare's father's first name? ANS3 John QSN4 What was John Shakespeare's profession? ANS4 inspectors QSN5 If an ale-seller refused to post a sign, what punishment would he receive? ANS5 forfeit his ale