3-016-912 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The last sheet of Shakspeare's will, 1864. Facsimile of '...the only piece of paper upon which our great poet's name is traced undeniably by his own hand...It is only lately that the Judge of the Probate Court has given permission to have the will photographed...The following is a modernised copy: Item, I give unto my wife my second best bed, with the furniture. Item, I give and bequeath to my said daughter Judith my broad silver- gilt bowl. All the rest of my goods, chattels, leases, plate, jewels, and household-stuff whatsoever, after my debts and legacies paid, and my funeral expenses discharged, I give, devise, and bequeath to my son-in-law, John Hall, gent., and my daughter Susanna his wife, whom I ordain and make executors of this my last will and testament. And I do entreat and appoint the said Thomas Russel, Esq., and Francis Collins, gent., to be overseers hereof. And do revoke all former wills, and publish this to be my last will and testament In witness whereof I have hereunto put my hand, the day and year first above written. By me, William Shakspere - Witness to the publishing hereof, Fra. Collyns, Julius Shaw, John Robinson, Hamnet Sadler, Robert Whatcoat'. From "Illustrated London News", 1864.