MULTI-million pound plans to transform Hoghton Tower into the Shakespeare capital of the North moved a step closer this week.

Around 150 international scholars met this week to discuss growing claims that the young Bard stayed with the Hoghton family between 1580-81.

If the recent findings prove correct, Hoghton Tower could become a major Shakespeare-based tourism centre, including a 800-seat theatre and permanent exhibition and library devoted to the famous writer.

Hoghton Tower, situated between Preston and Blackburn, is the home of Sir Bernard and Lady de Hoghton.

It has been well known since James I (VI of Scotland) knighted a loin of beef there in 1617, to name it Sir Loin.

But for some time Shakespearean academics have been excited about claims that for a year young William was, in fact, the William Shakeshafte in the service of the Hoghton family - who came to England with the conquest.

The search for the link between Stratford and Hoghton Tower is being led by Professor Richard Wilson of Lancaster University, who put forward the theory in an article in The Times Literary Supplement.

Now a three-day conference - which is based at Hoghton Tower today (Thursday, July 22) - has attracted academics from as far afield as Japan and Russia and the United States.

Sponsored by firms and organisations, including North West Water, the conference will discuss a will written by Alexander Hoghton in 1581, which mentioned a William Shakeshafte.

It is believed that Shakespeare's father, a committed Catholic, sent his young son to Hoghton Tower, the stronghold of a staunch Catholic family, and there are also claims that some of his work was set in the North West and Lancashire.

John Graver, Hoghton Tower administrator, said: "There is evidence that Shakespeare came here and certainly through the family there has been stories for many years of a connection with the playwright.

"I think there has only been one objection as far as I am aware to the theory."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.