Besides famous playwright, writer, romantic and critic of his contemporaries, William Shakespeare was also a grain hoarder and a tax evader, according to a new research.

Academic researchers said that historical archives have shown that Shakespeare was also a merchant and property owner. Data showed that the writer was pursued for tax evasion and even ted for hoarding grain during a time of shortage in 1598. This side of his life is often overlooked by people because he was such fine writer.

Researchers at Aberystwyth University in Wales have searched through documents and found that Shakespeare was involved in some activities that raises moral question about his side as a merchant and property owner. They said that they have found evidence that the Shakespeare was a cunning and deceptive businessman and indulged in hoarding in shortages to sell grains at very high prices.

Researchers Jane Archer, Howard Thomas and Richard Marggraf Turley said, "Over a 15-year period he purchased and stored grain, malt and barley for resale at inflated prices to his neighbors and local tradesmen. He pursued those who could not pay him in full for these staples and used the profits to further his own money-lending activities."

The research paper will be presented at the Hay literary festival in Wales in May.