Newly Discovered 17th Century Will Sheds Light on Shakespeare Family Dispute

A 17th-century will that ignited a family feud over William Shakespeare's grand Stratford-upon-Avon home, New Place, has been unearthed, offering fresh insights into the complexities surrounding the Bard's estate and its inheritance. The document, penned by Thomas Nash in 1642, reveals a contentious attempt to bequeath the property to his cousin, despite lacking the legal authority to do so. The discovery was made by Dr. Dan Gosling, a historian at The National Archives, while examining unlisted boxes of historical deeds.

Document Hidden for Over a Century

Dr. Gosling believes the will had remained unseen for approximately 150 years, having been filed away in the late 19th century. Its rediscovery illuminates the challenges faced in executing Shakespeare's own will and the ensuing legal battles among his descendants. "I was confident no one had seen the will in 150 years,” Dr. Gosling stated, emphasizing the significance of this find for Shakespearean scholars and historians alike.

The Nash Family's Claim to New Place

Thomas Nash, married to Shakespeare's granddaughter Elizabeth Hall, resided at New Place, which was then the second-largest house in Stratford-upon-Avon and the Shakespeare family's primary residence. The will stipulated that Nash wished to pass the property to his cousin Edward, a decision that directly contradicted Shakespeare's original bequest to his eldest daughter, Susanna Hall. Susanna was alive at the time, living at New Place with Nash and Elizabeth.

Legal Battles and Family Intrigue

Upon Nash's death in 1647, Susanna and Elizabeth took legal action to reaffirm their claim to Shakespeare's estates. Edward Nash subsequently brought Elizabeth before the Court of Chancery in 1648, demanding recognition of his deceased cousin's wishes. Elizabeth contested the claim, arguing that her late husband had no right to dispose of Shakespeare's home and citing her grandfather's original will as evidence. The case eventually resulted in an out-of-court settlement, with Elizabeth, who later became Lady Barnard, retaining possession of New Place until her death in 1670.

Expert Perspectives on the Discovery

Professor Michael Dobson, Director of the Shakespeare Institute at the University of Birmingham, commented on the will's significance: "This document provides a fascinating glimpse into the practical realities of inheritance and property disputes in the 17th century. It highlights the enduring power of Shakespeare's legacy and the lengths to which his family went to protect it. These legal wranglings offer a much more complicated picture of Shakespeare's family than the one often presented."

Dr. Gemma Miller, a specialist in early modern English legal history at King's College London, adds: "The Court of Chancery records from this period are a treasure trove of information about family dynamics and property ownership. This particular case underscores the complexities of inheritance laws at the time, where conflicting claims and interpretations of wills were commonplace. The fact that Elizabeth ultimately prevailed speaks to her determination and legal acumen."

Historical Context: Shakespeare's Will and its Aftermath

Shakespeare's own will, drafted in 1616, has been the subject of much scrutiny and interpretation over the centuries. It notably bequeathed the bulk of his estate to his daughter Susanna, while leaving his wife, Anne Hathaway, his "second-best bed." This clause has fueled speculation about the nature of their relationship, although historians have offered alternative explanations, such as the bed being a cherished family heirloom. The newly discovered Nash will adds another layer of complexity to the understanding of how Shakespeare's estate was managed and contested by his descendants.

The Significance of New Place

New Place held significant historical and cultural value, not only as Shakespeare's final residence but also as a symbol of his success and social standing. The house was eventually demolished in 1759, but its site remains a popular tourist destination and a testament to Shakespeare's enduring influence. The discovery of this will provides valuable insights into the lives of those who lived within its walls and the struggles they faced in preserving Shakespeare's legacy.

The rediscovery of Thomas Nash’s will offers a tangible connection to the past, enriching our understanding of the human dramas that unfolded within the Shakespeare family and the enduring legacy of England’s most celebrated playwright.