When did William Shakespeare sign his last will and testament?
William Shakespeare signed his last will and testament on the 25th of March 1616. This date fell just under a month before he died.
Questions about Shakespeare's will
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What specific item did Anne Shakespeare receive in William Shakespeare's will?
Anne Shakespeare received my second best bed with the furniture as stated in an interlinear addition on the third page of the original document. Scholars took a full century to finally decipher these scribbled words written in shaky secretary hand.
How much money did Judith Quiney inherit from William Shakespeare's estate?
Judith received £100 in discharge of her marriage porcion plus another £50 if she relinquished the Chapel Lane cottage. A further £150 awaited her or any surviving children three years after the will date.
Who were the recipients of the mourning rings in William Shakespeare's will?
John Heminges Henry Condell and Richard Burbage each received 26 shillings and eightpence for buying mourning rings. These men were Shakespeare's fellow actors and founding shareholders of the Globe Theatre.
Why was Thomas Quiney denied direct access to inheritance in William Shakespeare's will?
Thomas Quiney was explicitly denied access unless he bestowed lands of equal value on Judith. This structure usually indicates Thomas Quiney was not trusted with inheritance though some speculate it simply favored Susanna.