17th-Century Will Behind Shakespeare Family Dispute Discovered
A 17th-century will that triggered a dispute over Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon home has been found in The National Archives.
A previously unknown will from 25 August 1642, drawn up by Thomas Nash, has been uncovered in The National Archives. The document sheds light on a bitter inheritance dispute surrounding New Place, William Shakespeare's former home in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Nash, who married Shakespeare's granddaughter Elizabeth Hall, tried to bequeath the property to his cousin Edward, despite the estate having already been left to Shakespeare's eldest daughter Susanna. When Nash died in 1647, Susanna and Elizabeth secured court orders to confirm their rights to the estate.
Edward Nash later brought Elizabeth to the Court of Chancery in 1648 to enforce the will, but Elizabeth argued her late husband's actions were invalid and invoked her grandfather's original bequest. She is believed to have settled the dispute out of court and remained at New Place until her death in 1670.
The discovery of the will highlights the complex legal wrangling over Shakespeare's estate and the last generation of his direct descendants.
This topic was reported by BBC News.
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