A Battle of Wills historical talk at Mary Wallace Theatre

A forgotten will, a family dispute, and a battle for ownership of New Place in Stratford-upon-Avon. When Thomas Nash tried to leave Shakespeare's property to his cousin there was just one issue - it was not his to give...

In his 1642 will, Nash – the husband of Elizabeth, William Shakespeare’s granddaughter – left New Place in Stratford-upon-Avon to his cousin Edward Nash. There was only one problem. New Place, the former Shakespeare family home, where Shakespeare had died in 1616, wasn’t his to bequeath. Shakespeare had left New Place to his daughter Susanna Hall, who was still living at the time of Thomas Nash’s death in 1647.

Distinguished historian Dr Dan Gosling unpacks this 17th Century legal battle using original documents from the National Archives - including a newly discovered will that sheds new light on the case.

Join Richmond Shakespeare Society at Twickenham's Mary Wallace Theatre on Monday April 27 at 7.45pm. Dr Gosling will unravel the fascinating and contested history of Shakespeare's family home. Tickets cost just £7.

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