History

Shakespeare's Tomb

Historian Dr. Helen Castor explores the mysteries surrounding Shakespeare's burial place. Will the first-ever scientific investigation discover why his tombstone's only inscription is a curse against any man who "moves my bones?"

Shakespeare's Tomb

54m 11s

Historian Dr. Helen Castor explores the mysteries surrounding Shakespeare’s burial place. Will the first- ever scientific investigation discover why his tombstone's only inscription is a curse against any man who ‘moves my bones’?

Episodes

  • Shakespeare's Tomb: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Shakespeare's Tomb

    S1 E1 - 54m 11s

    Historian Dr. Helen Castor explores the mysteries surrounding Shakespeare’s burial place. Will the first- ever scientific investigation discover why his tombstone's only inscription is a curse against any man who ‘moves my bones’?

Extras + Features

  • How Did Shakespeare Die?: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    How Did Shakespeare Die?

    2m 34s

    Shakespeare’s death is a mystery. It’s been speculated that he died of syphilis or was even murdered. Helen explores the theory that comes from a diary written by a Stratford Vicar 50 years after Shakespeare's death. It tells of Shakespeare going out drinking with his writing friends and then dying of a fever shortly afterward.

  • Story of Shakespeare’s Stolen Skull: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Story of Shakespeare’s Stolen Skull

    2m 30s

    In 1879, a story, written anonymously, appeared in a British magazine called Argosy. Written like a piece of gothic fiction it tells of grave robbers breaking into Holy Trinity Church, lifting Shakespeare’s tombstone and making off with his skull. Helen recounts the ghoulish details of the story and how the theft was motivated by money.

  • Preview: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Preview

    30s

    Historian Dr. Helen Castor explores the mysteries surrounding Shakespeare’s burial place. Will the first- ever scientific investigation discover why his tombstone's only inscription is a curse against any man who ‘moves my bones’?

  • Shakespeare’s Final Amendments to his Will: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Shakespeare’s Final Amendments to his Will

    2m 52s

    The original copy of Shakespeare’s last will and testament is three pages long and his signature is visible on each. The changes Shakespeare made to his will in the last month of his life cast new light on him as a family man and friend. It appears he knew he was dying and amended his will to bequest mourning rings to his friends and left his favorite piece of furniture to his wife.

  • First Ever Investigation Of Shakespeare's Grave: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    First Ever Investigation Of Shakespeare's Grave

    1m 57s

    Shakespeare’s resting place in Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-upon-Avon, has mystified many who’ve seen it. His stone has no name and is only inscribed with a curse against any man who "moves my bones." Archaeologist Kevin Colls has earned the first-ever permission to investigate the grave.

  • The Mystery Skull in The Crypt: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The Mystery Skull in The Crypt

    2m 39s

    A lone skull lies beneath St. Leonard’s Church in Beoley, 15 miles from Stratford where Shakespeare is buried. A story from the 19th century says it belongs to Shakespeare and was taken from his tomb by trophy hunters. Archaeologist Kevin Colls has won the first permission to analyze the skull to see if the rumors are true.

Schedule

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