Langley Priory was founded c.1150 by William Pantulf and his wife Burgia.

Burgia donated land in Kettleby and tithes in Tonge and Wilson.

Before 1205 the priory had also acquired land in Burrough, Diseworth, Long Whatton, Nottingham and Prestwold.

[1] At the dissolution the site and lands were leased to Thomas Grey for a yearly value of £7.5s.4d.

His eldest son Thomas was disinherited for marrying against his fathers consent.

Richard was deputy Lieutenant for the county of Leicestershire and Commissioner of Assessed Taxes.

[3] On the death of John Shakespeare in 1858[6] the house passed to his nephew Charles Bowles.

Charles obtained royal consent[7] to adopt the surname of his uncle.

Charles Bowles Shakespear died aged 88 on 16 February 1959 leaving an estate valued at £86,245[10] The house was then lived in by Major John Hornsby Shakespear until his death aged 59 in 1970.