John Payne Collier (London, 11 January 1789 – 17 September 1883), was an English Shakespearian critic and forger.
He was librarian to the Duke of Devonshire, secretary to the Royal Commission on the British Museum [1], and had access to the chief collections of early English literature throughout the kingdom.
Collier used these opportunities to effect a series of literary fabrications. Over the next several years he claimed to find a number of new documents relating to Shakespeare's life and business. After New Facts, New Particulars and Further Particulars respecting Shakespeare had appeared and passed muster.
More information on the Wikipedia page [2].