Unraveling The Mystery Of William Shakespeare's Death

Revered playwright and poet William Shakespeare has gripped readers and theatergoers for centuries with his tales of tragedy and romance. Just as enduring—and, for many scholars, puzzling—has been the story of his death in 1616. The details surrounding his final days remain clouded in uncertainty, much like the works he left behind.

Exploring the Enigma of Shakespeare’s Final Days

Shakespeare’s death has sparked countless theories and discussions among historians and literary enthusiasts alike. With limited official documentation available, scholars have had to rely on Shakespeare’s will and accounts from his contemporaries to piece together the mystery. This exploration reveals how the nuances of his life intertwine with the circumstances of his passing.

It is commonly believed that Shakespeare returned to his childhood home in Stratford-upon-Avon before he died. His last known play, The Two Noble Kinsmen, was written two to three years prior to his death, indicating a slowdown in his prolific writing career. The uncertainty surrounding his death date adds to the intrigue; while it's traditionally thought he died on April 23, some scholars argue that this coincidence might be a myth.

Absence of Recorded Cause of Death

One of the most frustrating aspects for researchers is the lack of recorded details about the cause of Shakespeare's death. During the 17th century, while deaths were regularly noted, the reasons behind them often were not, unless they were related to the plague. In Shakespeare's case, no such records have been found, leaving the exact cause shrouded in mystery.

Adding to the intrigue, Shakespeare’s son-in-law, John Hall, was a physician known for keeping extensive records of his patients. Surprisingly, Hall made no mention of treating Shakespeare, further complicating the search for answers. This absence of documentation has led to numerous theories regarding the playwright’s health leading up to his death.

Theories Surrounding Shakespeare's Demise

Among the more popular tales is the one suggesting Shakespeare died after a night of heavy drinking with fellow writers Ben Jonson and Michael Drayton. This story emerged about 50 years after his death and has circulated widely, despite the lack of concrete evidence. While it’s feasible that the playwright might have enjoyed a few drinks, it’s more likely that his demise resulted from an illness rather than a hangover.

Another theory posits that Shakespeare might have succumbed to typhus fever, which was prevalent during that time. He lived near a water source, which could have facilitated the spread of such diseases. However, like many theories regarding his death, this remains speculative, as the absence of records leaves much to the imagination.

Insights from Shakespeare’s Will

In an intriguing turn of events, Shakespeare updated his will just weeks before his death. This document, recorded on March 25, 1616, describes him as being "in perfect health & memory, God be praised." The quick revision could suggest that he was either preparing for death or simply following societal norms, as organizing one’s affairs was common practice during that era.

What stands out in his will is the allocation of his possessions. He left the bulk to his daughter Susanna and made a curious mention of his wife, Anne Hathaway, bequeathing her only his “second best bed with the furniture.” This has led to speculation about the state of their relationship, yet many experts believe he intended this in a practical sense, ensuring she received the correct inheritance.

The Mystery of Shakespeare's Remains

After Shakespeare's death, the location of his grave became another subject of speculation. His remains are interred at the Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon, but recent research suggests that some aspects of his burial may not be as straightforward as once thought. In March 2016, a study revealed that Shakespeare’s skull might be missing from his grave, igniting new discussions and theories among scholars.

In addition to the mystery surrounding his skull, there are tales suggesting that his remains may have been disturbed or even robbed. An 1879 article speculated that a local doctor had taken Shakespeare's head from the grave in 1794. Such stories only contribute to the enigma surrounding the final resting place of one of history's greatest playwrights.

The uncertainty surrounding Shakespeare’s death and what happened to his remains continues to fascinate scholars and fans alike. Each new piece of information or theory only adds to the complexity, ensuring that Shakespeare’s legacy remains just as intriguing as his works.