Shakespeare's Grave To Be Scanned

Shakespeare’s grave has been scanned to search below the ground without physically disturbing the site.

16:49 01 March 2016

Shakespeare’s grave in Holy Trinity has been scanned to search below the ground without physically disturbing the site. The radar survey and an excavation of the playwright’s house are among the many research projects that mark the 400th anniversary of his death.

 

It is believed that there have been discoveries in the grave, which are set to be revealed in the next few weeks.

 

The playwright’s grave has not been touched since he was buried in 1616 partly because of the warning that says: "Good friend, for Jesus' sake forebeare, To digg the dust enclosed heare; Bleste be the man that spares thes stones, And curst be he that moves my bones."

 

The investigation into the grave was revealed ahead of this summer’s World Shakespeare Congress, which is held every five years. This year’s event will be split between Stratford upon Avon and London and is expected to be participated by thousands Shakespearean specialists, researchers and academics.

 

The event will be co-hosted by the Royal Shakespeare Company, the University of Birmingham, King’s College London and the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, among others. The congress will feature debates, performances, seminars and conferences as well as findings from research and archaeology.