Story perspectives

Lost Will of Shakespeare's Son-in-Law Sparks Ownership Dispute

8/22/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A lost will of Thomas Nash, Shakespeare's son-in-law, was discovered at the National Archives, detailing his 1642 bequest of New Place to cousin Edward Nash.
This will prompted a legal dispute with Shakespeare's daughter and granddaughter over ownership rights.
Ultimately, Edward Nash appeared not to have owned New Place, which later transferred to the Clopton family.
The document is now catalogued and accessible after being unlisted for over 150 years.

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Story summary

A lost will of Thomas Nash, Shakespeare's son-in-law, was discovered at the National Archives, detailing his 1642 bequest of New Place to cousin Edward Nash.
This will prompted a legal dispute with Shakespeare's daughter and granddaughter over ownership rights.
Ultimately, Edward Nash appeared not to have owned New Place, which later transferred to the Clopton family.
The document is now catalogued and accessible after being unlisted for over 150 years.