The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust are today delighted to hear about the recovery of one of the world’s most important books, The First Folio, which was stolen 10 years ago from Durham University.

In fact, The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust has been instrumental in identifying the stolen First Folio of William Shakespeare’s work and were pleased to help with the investigation when contacted from Washington DC 10 days ago. The extensive archive held at The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, includes the first census of all the existing First Folios carried out by Sir Sidney Lee in 1902 (of which there are now just 230 copies surviving worldwide). The Trust holds the all-important return documents from the census, which identifies and registers each copy. Mairi MacDonald, Head of Records was able to use these documents to inform the investigating team in Washington DC as to the identity and authenticity of the stolen treasure.

Dr Paul Edmondson, Head of Learning at The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, is overjoyed. 'As graduate of Durham University I recall going to look at their copy of the First Folio on the morning of my Shakespeare paper. I was saddened to hear of its theft more than ten years ago. That our distinguished archive has now been able to supply the missing clue makes us all feel very proud.'

The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust holds three copies of the First Folio, and with the exception of The British Library, is the only place in the UK where you can see a copy on display (in a secure glass box of course!). The surviving original copy of the First Folio can be seen all year round at Shakespeare’s Birthplace in Stratford Upon Avon. As well as protecting Shakespeare’s magnificent legacy by preserving the five Shakespeare Houses in Stratford-Upon-Avon, The Trust also plays a vital role in conserving Europe’s largest collection of Shakespeare- related archives.