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Shakespeare's Tomb

Story of Shakespeare’s Stolen Skull

2m 30s

In 1879, a story, written anonymously, appeared in a British magazine called Argosy. Written like a piece of gothic fiction it tells of grave robbers breaking into Holy Trinity Church, lifting Shakespeare’s tombstone and making off with his skull. Helen recounts the ghoulish details of the story and how the theft was motivated by money.

Extras
Watch • 2:39
Shakespeare's Tomb
The Mystery Skull in The Crypt
An unidentified skull beneath a country church is rumored to belong to Shakespeare.
Clip: 2:39
Watch • 2:52
Shakespeare's Tomb
Shakespeare’s Final Amendments to his Will
The final changes to Shakespeare's will cast new light on him as a family man and friend.
Clip: 2:52
Watch • 54:11
Shakespeare's Tomb
Shakespeare's Tomb
Historian Dr. Helen Castor explores the mysteries surrounding Shakespeare’s burial place.
Episode: S1 E1 | 54:11
Watch • 2:34
Shakespeare's Tomb
How Did Shakespeare Die?
No one knows how Shakespeare died but a diary from a Stratford vicar holds clues.
Clip: 2:34
Watch • 1:57
Shakespeare's Tomb
First Ever Investigation Of Shakespeare's Grave
Kevin Colls begins the first investigation into the mysteries of Shakespeare's tomb.
Clip: 1:57
Watch • 0:30
Shakespeare's Tomb
Preview
Historian Dr. Helen Castor explores the mysteries surrounding Shakespeare’s burial place.
Preview: 0:30
Latest Episodes
Watch • 54:11
Shakespeare's Tomb
Shakespeare's Tomb
Historian Dr. Helen Castor explores the mysteries surrounding Shakespeare’s burial place.
Episode: S1 E1 | 54:11