account from the 17th century offers fresh insight into Shakespeare's life - A 17th-century missive offers fresh insights concerning Shakespeare
Take a seat, folks, we've got some eye-opening news about William Shakespeare, the Bard himself! It looks like this legendary playwright's marital life might need a significant reevaluation, thanks to a letter from the 17th century.
For ages, we've been spinning tales about Shakespeare – married to Anne Hathaway, six years his senior, then abandoning her and their kiddos to pursue the limelight in London. He barely acknowledged her in his will, making him seem like a bit of a cad. But hold on to your quills, because fresh research might just shatter that image!
London Calling for Shakespeare and Anne
Matthew Steggle, an early English literature professor from the University of Bristol, has dug up a mind-blowing letter from 1608 that sheds light on the couple's relationship in an unexpected way. Yep, you heard it right – London. This letter, addressed to "good Mrs. Shakespeare," implies that the pair might have resided in the bustling metropolis together!
The debt collector behind the letter was none too pleased with Shakespeare, as he apparently failed to honor his financial responsibilities. What's more intriguing is that this letter suggests the recipient, Mrs. Shakespeare, lived with her hubby in good old London town.
So, why the big deal? Well, this letter was discovered way back in 1978, but Steggle has been giving it a closer examination. As he puts it, "it's a story about the marriage of the Shakespeares and about Shakespeare's London contacts." Yikes, that's quite the bombshell for all Shakespearean biographers who have maintained a narrative of a rocky union!
A New Spin on Shakespeare and Anne's Love Story
Until now, only one letter addressed directly to Shakespeare and his family was known to us. This new find offers a glimpse into where Shakespeare (most likely) lived in London and gives Anne a whole new image – a far cry from that of a forgotten wife.
If the writer's mention of Anne managing the couple's finances is anything to go by, it seems she had a significant role in their finances. Check this out: the back of the letter contains handwritten notes, possibly penned by Anne herself – the closest we've gotten to hearing her voice, according to Steggle.
References:- University of Bristol- "Guardian"
Final thought: With this new evidence, it's time to shelve that image of Shakespeare as an uncaring husband and give him a fresh look alongside Anne Hathaway. Wikipedia might just need a little update!
- The letter from 1608, discovered by Matthew Steggle, a professor from the University of Bristol, suggests that William Shakespeare and his wife, Anne Hathaway, might have lived together in London.
- This newfound letter indicates that Anne Hathaway, contrary to popular beliefs, played a crucial role in managing the financial affairs of the Shakespeare family.
- Intriguingly, the back of the letter shows handwritten notes, possibly written by Anne Hathaway, providing the closest insight into her thoughts and voice.
- The discovery of this letter offers a chance to question the long-held image of William Shakespeare as a neglectful husband and update our understanding of their marriage.
