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’?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.