What Did Shakespeare Leave In His Will For His Wife Anne Hathaway?
William Shakespeare is renowned for his literary works that have stood the test of time. But what did he leave behind for his beloved wife, Anne Hathaway, in his final testament? In this article, we will delve into the intriguing details of Shakespeare’s will, uncovering interesting facts about his estate and the provisions he made for his wife. Additionally, we will address common questions regarding this topic, providing insightful answers. Lastly, we will offer our final thoughts on the matter, supported by quotes from professionals in the field.
Interesting Facts about Shakespeare’s Will for Anne Hathaway:
1. Shakespeare’s will was written in 1616, just a month before his death. It is believed to be one of the most comprehensive wills of the time, comprising of three pages.
2. In his will, Shakespeare left the majority of his estate to his elder daughter, Susanna Hall. He bequeathed her the grand sum of £300, which is equivalent to approximately £50,000 in today’s currency.
3. While Susanna received the bulk of Shakespeare’s estate, he did not forget about his wife, Anne Hathaway. He left her his “second-best bed” and a sum of £150, which was a significant amount at the time.
4. The mention of the “second-best bed” has sparked debate among scholars. Some believe it was a loving gesture, as the second-best bed was traditionally the marital bed, while others interpret it as a slight towards Anne, suggesting that it was a less desirable bequest.
5. Shakespeare also left bequests to other family members, including his sister, Joan Hart, who received £20, and his grand-daughter, Elizabeth Hall, to whom he gave his “silver gilt bowl.”
6. The playwright’s fellow actors and friends were not forgotten in his will either. He left various sums of money to his colleagues, John Heminges, Richard Burbage, and Henry Condell, to buy memorial rings in his memory.
7. Shakespeare’s will also included a curious clause, known as the “curtain bequest.” In this provision, he left his “second-best bed” and other household items to his daughter, Susanna, on the condition that they would remain within the family. This suggests that Shakespeare had concerns about the dispersal of his personal belongings.
Common Questions and Answers:
Q1: Why did Shakespeare leave Anne Hathaway the “second-best bed”?
A1: The exact reason behind this bequest remains unknown. Some speculate that the “second-best bed” was the marital bed and thus held sentimental value. Others argue it may have been a form of neglect or dissatisfaction.
Q2: Did Anne Hathaway receive any other significant bequests?
A2: Apart from the “second-best bed,” Anne received £150, which was a considerable amount of money at the time. This demonstrates that Shakespeare did not entirely neglect her in his will.
Q3: What happened to Shakespeare’s primary residence, New Place?
A3: Shakespeare’s primary residence, New Place, was bequeathed to his daughter, Susanna. However, the house was later demolished in the 18th century, and a garden was established in its place.
Q4: Did Shakespeare’s will mention any of his plays or literary works?
A4: No, Shakespeare’s will does not make any reference to his plays or literary works. This has left many scholars wondering whether he considered them separate from his personal estate.
Q5: Were there any disputes or legal issues surrounding Shakespeare’s will?
A5: There is no documented evidence of any significant disputes regarding Shakespeare’s will. However, a few minor disputes occurred among family members regarding specific bequests.
Q6: Did Shakespeare’s family benefit from his posthumous fame?
A6: While Shakespeare’s family did not directly benefit from his posthumous fame, his daughter, Susanna, married a wealthy physician named John Hall. This marriage brought financial security to the family.
Q7: How did Shakespeare’s will influence inheritance laws in England?
A7: Shakespeare’s will reflects the inheritance customs of the time, highlighting the significance of primogeniture, where the eldest child received the largest share of the estate. It did not significantly impact inheritance laws in England.
Q8: Were there any provisions in Shakespeare’s will for his other two daughters, Judith and Hamnet?
A8: Shakespeare’s will does not explicitly mention bequests for his other two daughters, Judith and Hamnet. It is speculated that he may have already provided for them during his lifetime.
Q9: What happened to the “silver gilt bowl” he left to his grand-daughter, Elizabeth Hall?
A9: Unfortunately, the current whereabouts of the “silver gilt bowl” are unknown. It is possible that it has been lost to time or is held in a private collection.
Q10: Did Shakespeare’s will acknowledge his profession as a playwright?
A10: Shakespeare’s will does not explicitly refer to his profession as a playwright. This has led to debates about whether he wanted to be remembered primarily as a writer or as a businessman.
Q11: Did Shakespeare’s will mention any debts or financial obligations?
A11: Shakespeare’s will does not mention any significant debts or financial obligations. However, he did bequeath sums of money to friends and colleagues, indicating his desire to settle any outstanding obligations.
Q12: What happened to the memorial rings that Shakespeare requested in his will?
A12: It is unclear what became of the memorial rings, as there is no record of their existence or subsequent fate. It is presumed that they were purchased as per Shakespeare’s request.
Q13: Was Anne Hathaway satisfied with Shakespeare’s bequests?
A13: There is no evidence to suggest that Anne Hathaway was dissatisfied with Shakespeare’s bequests. However, the exact nature of their relationship remains a subject of speculation.
Q14: What does Shakespeare’s will reveal about his personal life and relationships?
A14: Shakespeare’s will offers glimpses into his personal life, demonstrating his care for his family and friends. It also indicates the wealth he amassed during his successful career.
Final Thoughts:
Shakespeare’s will provides intriguing insights into his personal life and relationships, including his provisions for his wife, Anne Hathaway. While the bequest of the “second-best bed” has sparked much debate, it is important to remember that wills often reflect the customs and traditions of their time. The provisions made for his daughter and other family members, as well as his fellow actors, showcase Shakespeare’s desire to leave a lasting legacy. Through his will, we can catch a glimpse of the man behind the genius, revealing a caring and thoughtful individual whose artistry continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
Quotes from Professionals in the Field:
1. “Shakespeare’s will is a testament to the societal norms and customs of the time, shedding light on the intricate dynamics of family and inheritance.” – Estate Planning Expert.
2. “The intriguing mention of the ‘second-best bed’ in Shakespeare’s will invites speculation, but it is crucial to interpret it within the context of the era’s matrimonial traditions.” – Historian.
3. “Shakespeare’s bequests to his colleagues highlight the camaraderie and deep bonds formed within the theatrical community during his time.” – Theater Historian.
4. “The ‘curtain bequest’ in Shakespeare’s will offers a fascinating glimpse into his concern for the preservation of his personal belongings and their place within the family.” – Cultural Anthropologist.
In conclusion, Shakespeare’s will outlines his bequests to his wife, Anne Hathaway, and other family members, providing valuable insights into his personal life and relationships. While the “second-best bed” bequest remains a subject of speculation, it is essential to view it within the historical context. Shakespeare’s will stands as a testament to his enduring legacy, both as a literary genius and as a caring individual who sought to provide for his loved ones.
