The Doctor claimed to have been present when Francis Bacon tried to stuff snow up a chicken. This caused Bacon to contract pneumonia and die. (PROSE: Heart of TARDIS) When William Shakespeare stowed away aboard the Fifth Doctor's TARDIS in 1597 and died in King Richard III's place in 1485, Richard decided to go to 1597 and take up Shakespeare's life and career where it had been left off. The Doctor recommended Richard contact Francis Bacon for writing tips. (AUDIO: The Kingmaker)