Historic Talk: Anne Hathaway by Lesley Smith

About this event

Discover the mysteries of Anne Hathaway, wife of William Shakespeare. Brought to life by acclaimed performance historian Lesley Smith. William Shakespeare (aged 18), married a local woman called Anne Hathaway (aged 26), late in 1582 whilst she was carrying his child.

Interestingly, very little is known about Anne and William’s relationship. All we can say with certainty is that they married, had 3 children and remained married until Shakespeare’s death in 1616. Upon his death at their home, Shakespeare left his ‘second best bed’ to Anne in his will.

In this charismatic performance, Lesley Smith (MPhil, Tudor Medicine), cleverly picks her way between the facts to give a proper sense of life in the Midlands at that time. Lesley Smith’s vibrant and amusing talk is given in spectacular costume made by a specialist from the Royal Shakespeare Company and explores the possibilities of their relationship, including that “second best bed”.