Shakespeare's Tomb

Story of Shakespeare’s Stolen Skull

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.

Story of Shakespeare’s Stolen Skull

2m 30s

  • Shakespeare's Tomb: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Shakespeare's Tomb

    S1 E1 - 54m 11s

    Historian Dr. Helen Castor explores the mysteries surrounding Shakespeare’s burial place. Will the first- ever scientific investigation discover why his tombstone's only inscription is a curse against any man who ‘moves my bones’?

WETA Passport

Stream tens of thousands of hours of your PBS and local favorites with WETA Passport whenever and wherever you want. Catch up on a single episode or binge-watch full seasons before they air on TV.