What happened to William Shakespeare after his successful playwriting career? How did the world’s most famous playwright spend his final years and manage his growing wealth?
In his book Shakespeare, Bill Bryson explores William Shakespeare’s later life, revealing a shrewd businessman who balanced his London theater career with substantial property investments in Stratford. The celebrated playwright built his wealth while maintaining modest living arrangements in London.
Keep reading for a fascinating look at Shakespeare’s transformation from theatrical legend to prosperous landowner, and learn about the mysteries surrounding his final days.
Image credit: Sicinius via Wikimedia Commons (License); Changes: Cropped
William Shakespeare’s Later Life
Bryson details William Shakespeare’s later life, explaining that he maintained an active presence in London’s theater world while simultaneously building his wealth through real estate acquisitions and investments in Stratford. His purchase of New Place, a notable Stratford property, along with other significant property dealings, demonstrated his growing financial success.
While committed to his theatrical career in London, Shakespeare remained deeply connected to his birthplace of Stratford, where he directed much of his earnings. His economic ventures included not only the purchase of the distinguished New Place estate but also extensive farming lands and a valuable share of tithes from the local church.
According to Bill Bryson, Shakespeare’s business activities reflected both his financial prosperity and his desire to establish a lasting legacy for his family. Despite his considerable wealth, Shakespeare lived modestly while in London, choosing to stay in rented accommodations rather than purchasing property in the city.
| Shortform Note The nature of Shakespeare’s property investments and business dealings requires careful interpretation to avoid overstating their significance. While he did purchase tithes and acquire various properties, these transactions should be viewed primarily as practical financial investments rather than indicators of social standing or personal sentiment. The term “vast” in reference to his farming territories may overstate their scale when compared to other landowners of the period, and his property acquisitions in Stratford could have been driven by business acumen rather than emotional attachment to his hometown. Similarly, several common assumptions about Shakespeare’s professional life and legacy deserve scrutiny. His involvement in theatrical activities, while significant, may not have been as “continuous” as sometimes suggested, likely allowing time for other pursuits and personal matters. His decision to lease lodgings in London, rather than purchase property there, might simply reflect a practical choice for someone in the theatre business requiring mobility, not necessarily a sign of modesty. Furthermore, while Shakespeare did leave a lasting heritage, this may have been more a consequence of his success than a deliberate goal. And, like any property investor of his time, his various business dealings carried risks that didn’t guarantee long-term financial security. |
William Shakespeare’s Death
Shakespeare’s death, burial, and final bequests remain subjects of historical uncertainty. The exact cause and circumstances of his passing are unknown, and his will contains several puzzling elements, particularly regarding his wife Anne.
The details surrounding Shakespeare’s death are poorly documented, as Bryson notes in his examination of the playwright’s final days. Of particular interest in Shakespeare’s testament is an unusual bequest to his wife: their second-best bed and its accompanying furnishings.
The meaning behind this specific bequest has sparked considerable debate among scholars. Some interpret the gift of the second-best bed as carrying deep sentimental value, while others, including Bryson, view it as an ordinary provision without special significance. The true nature of Shakespeare’s marriage and this final gesture to Anne remains uncertain, as historical evidence is insufficient to support any definitive conclusion.
| Shortform Note Shakespeare’s death and the circumstances surrounding it remain largely shrouded in mystery. There are no surviving contemporary accounts or letters from family or friends that provide insight into the circumstances of his death, which is unusual for someone of his prominence. Over the years, various theories have emerged, ranging from typhoid fever to a sudden illness, but none are supported by concrete evidence. Shakespeare’s will has been a source of much scholarly discussion, particularly regarding his family relationships. The will’s provisions for his daughters, particularly Judith, are more detailed than those for other family members, which has led to further analysis of his family dynamics. While the bequest of a bed to his wife Anne Hathaway has sometimes been interpreted negatively, it’s worth noting that beds during Shakespeare’s time were valuable items, often considered family heirlooms. Little is known about Shakespeare’s personal feelings towards his wife, Anne Hathaway, which leaves room for varied interpretations of his intentions in the will. It’s important to consider that under coverture laws, a married woman’s legal rights were subsumed by her husband, which might have influenced how Shakespeare structured his will. Additionally, marriages in the Elizabethan era were often arranged for social or economic reasons, which might not reflect modern notions of romantic partnerships. |
