John Ward (vicar)
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John Ward (1629–1681) was vicar of Stratford-upon-Avon from 1662 to 1681, who ministered to Shakespeare's descendants. He is noted for his diary in which he recorded anecdotes about William Shakespeare, his family, and others.
Ward's diary extends from 1648 to 1679. The original manuscript, preserved in the Library of the Medical Society of London, was transcribed and published in 1839 by Charles Severn. It is now held by the Folger Shakespeare Library.
Charles Severn equated Ward with the a man born in 1629 in Spratton, Northamptonshire. Ward came from a family which had supported the Royalists in the English Civil War. His father was captured at the Battle of Naseby. Ward's diary indicates his continuing devotion to the Royalist cause. He received his M.A. in divinity at Oxford in 1652. While at Oxford he also made a study of medical literature. After graduating he lived in London.[1]
In 1662, after the Restoration, he was appointed vicar of Stratford-upon-Avon by Charles II. This followed the removal of the Cromwellian vicar Alexander Bean after the Act of Uniformity. Bean appears to have set up a rival non-conformist congregation.[2]
In addition to his duties as rector of the Church of the Holy Trinity Ward seems to have practiced as a medical doctor in Stratford, judging by entries about medicine in his notebooks. His diary indicates that he also intended to pursue philological studies; he promises to himself to learn Arabic, Old English and Hebrew.[1]
Ward's diary indicates that he had a persistent cough and that he was physically frail for much of his time in Stratford. He died at the age of 52 on 7 September 1681 and was buried on 13 September. He was unmarried. His will leaves his property to his brother.[1]
