Shakespeare’s Will and Will Hero
Witness how Shakespeare could have choreographed his Will visually, instead of using quill. With Will Hero, the Bard could have still added all his little quirks, such as conditional gifts, leaving his dear wife only his 2nd best bed and furniture, and his generous bequest of 10 pounds to the “Poor of Stratford”.
Will Hero would have identified his typos (such as spelling his own name wrong). And recommend improvements such including a Residual Estate (an essential for any modern Will), as well as including a unique identifier for his executors, such as an address or date of birth. With Scenario Testing, Shakespeare could have rehearsed his legacy as one would a play, knowing what would happen if any beneficiaries exited the stages before him.
‘Tis 2024, not the 1600s! Draft your Will on a platform designed for the 21st century. Make your Will visually, with Will Hero.
What Was in Shakespeare’s Will?
Shakespeare’s actual will included:
- Second-best bed to his wife - A famous bequest that’s often misunderstood
- 10 pounds to the Poor of Stratford - His charitable giving
- Specific gifts to family members - Including his daughter and granddaughter
- No residual estate clause - A common issue in historical wills
How Will Hero Would Have Improved Shakespeare’s Will
Error Detection
Shakespeare famously misspelled his own name in his will. Will Hero’s platform would have:
- Caught spelling errors automatically
- Suggested improvements for clarity
- Ensured legal compliance with modern standards
Better Structure
Modern wills need:
- Residual estate distribution - Who gets everything else
- Executor identification - Clear contact details
- Guardian appointments - For any minor children
- Pet care provisions - If applicable
Learn more about how to create a will with Will Hero’s step-by-step process.
Scenario Testing
Shakespeare could have tested:
- What if beneficiaries die first?
- How would gifts be distributed?
- Who would manage his estate?
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Shakespeare’s will legally valid?
Yes, Shakespeare’s will was legally valid for its time, though it lacked modern protections.
What’s the difference between historical and modern wills?
Modern wills require more structure, clearer language, and better executor identification.
Can I create a will like Shakespeare’s today?
While you can include specific gifts, modern wills need additional elements like residual estate distribution. Compare pricing options for your will creation and explore our FAQ about will creation for more answers.
Create Your Modern Will Today
Don’t leave your legacy to chance like the historical figures of old. Create a comprehensive, legally sound will with Will Hero’s modern platform.
Start Your Will Now - It only takes 15 minutes!
Join thousands of Australians who have already created their wills with Will Hero’s trusted platform.
Related Articles
- How to Make a Will in 15 Minutes - Learn our simple process
- Pope Francis’s Will Example - Another historical will analysis
- Complete Guide to Will Creation - Step-by-step instructions
