Podcast Summary: "Shakespeare's Family: New Discoveries"
Not Just the Tudors
Host: Professor Suzannah Lipscomb
Guest: Dr. Matthew Steggall, Professor of English at the University of Bristol
Release Date: June 23, 2025
Introduction: Unveiling Hidden Narratives in Shakespeare's Life
In this enlightening episode of Not Just the Tudors, Professor Suzannah Lipscomb delves into groundbreaking discoveries that shed new light on the women in William Shakespeare's life. Joined by Dr. Matthew Steggall, a renowned English literature scholar, the discussion uncovers previously overlooked documents that challenge traditional narratives about Shakespeare's family dynamics and personal life.
Discovery of Letter Fragments Addressed to "Mrs. Shakespeare"
Dr. Steggall recounts the intriguing discovery of two fragments of a letter addressed to "Good Mrs. Shakespeare," unearthed by scholar F.C. Morgan in 1978. These fragments were found while Morgan was cataloging a collection of 17th-century theological books at the Hereford Cathedral Library.
Dr. Matthew Steggall [05:53]: "So you often get bookbinders would use waste paper while they were binding books… in this case, what he saw were two fragments of a letter addressed to Good Mrs. Shakespeare."
The letter discusses a financial dispute concerning a fatherless apprentice named John Butts, highlighting Mrs. Shakespeare's role in managing funds intended for the child's support. This suggests that "Mrs. Shakespeare," presumed to be Anne Hathaway, possessed significant financial agency—a revelation that contradicts the long-held belief in the marginalization of Shakespeare's wife.
Dr. Matthew Steggall [08:10]: "Good Mrs. Shakespeare, I beseech you to consider if the business was left in trust to your husband…"
Reinterpretation of the Controversial Spiritual Testament
The episode further explores the contentious Spiritual Testament, a document historically attributed to Shakespeare's father, John Shakespeare. Dr. Steggall presents compelling evidence that challenges this attribution, proposing instead that the testament may have been authored by Joan Shakespeare, William's sister.
Dr. Matthew Steggall [28:12]: "The key here is that you can find early versions of the Testament in other languages… attributing it to someone else entirely."
The Testament portrays Shakespeare's father as a devout Catholic, a portrayal that sparked debates about the family's religious affiliations during the Elizabethan era. However, discrepancies in the document's timeline and handwriting suggest a misattribution, potentially shifting the narrative to Joan Shakespeare's secret Catholic sympathies.
Implications for Shakespeare's Biography and Marriage
These discoveries provide a more nuanced understanding of Shakespeare's life in London, filling geographical and relational gaps. The presence of Anne Hathaway in London, as inferred from the letter fragments, counters the prevailing narrative of a distant and estranged marriage. This proximity hints at a more collaborative and engaged partnership between Shakespeare and his wife.
Dr. Matthew Steggall [14:27]: "There are big geographical gaps in terms of where Shakespeare is known to have lived… This is Trinity Gleane in London that's being talked about."
Rewriting Women’s Roles in Shakespeare's Life
The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing the agency of the women surrounding Shakespeare. From Anne Hathaway's potential involvement in financial matters to Joan Shakespeare's possible covert Catholic activities, these findings challenge the traditional exclusion of women from historical narratives and underscore their significant, albeit often hidden, roles.
Professor Suzannah Lipscomb [16:04]: "So it's a different sort of engagement with Catholicism."
The Role of Modern Research Tools in Historical Discoveries
Dr. Steggall highlights how contemporary technologies and digital databases have revolutionized historical research, enabling scholars to uncover and analyze documents that were previously inaccessible or overlooked. This digital shift facilitates a more comprehensive and inclusive understanding of historical figures and their personal lives.
Dr. Matthew Steggall [41:39]: "A common theme across in particular the two things we've talked about… with the new generation of tools with big data."
Conclusion: A Transformative Era for Historical Scholarship
The episode concludes with an optimistic outlook on the future of historical research. The integration of digital tools and interdisciplinary approaches promises to unearth more hidden narratives, particularly those of women in history, thereby enriching our understanding of iconic figures like William Shakespeare.
Professor Suzannah Lipscomb [42:43]: "We're so lucky…"
Notable Quotes
- Dr. Matthew Steggall [08:10]: "Good Mrs. Shakespeare, I beseech you to consider if the business was left in trust to your husband…"
- Dr. Matthew Steggall [28:12]: "The key here is that you can find early versions of the Testament in other languages… attributing it to someone else entirely."
- Dr. Matthew Steggall [41:39]: "A common theme across in particular the two things we've talked about… with the new generation of tools with big data."
- Professor Suzannah Lipscomb [42:43]: "We're so lucky…"
Implications for Future Research
Dr. Steggall expresses excitement about the potential for future discoveries as digital resources become more integrated into historical research. This paradigm shift not only broadens the scope of accessible information but also democratizes the process of uncovering and interpreting historical data.
Dr. Matthew Steggall [42:00]: "Hopefully there will be others in the same categories…"
Further Exploration: Susanna Shakespeare's Role
In a brief segment towards the end, Dr. Steggall touches upon recent scholarly work examining Susanna Shakespeare, William's daughter. She is credited with producing poems linked to Shakespeare's tomb and his memorial plaque, suggesting her active role in preserving her father's legacy.
Dr. Matthew Steggall [38:46]: "So Susanna is Shakespeare's daughter… she's Shakespeare's heir, and she is at least partly responsible for the erection of Shakespeare's tomb…"
This exploration into Susanna's contributions further underscores the episode's theme of elevating the often-overlooked voices of women in historical narratives.
Not Just the Tudors continues to shed light on the intricate and multifaceted lives of historical figures by uncovering the untold stories of those around them. This episode marks a significant step in recontextualizing Shakespeare's personal life, emphasizing the indispensable roles played by the women in his world.