The Shakespeare Connection

Elizabeth Bernard (nee Hall) was Shakespeare’s granddaughter and the last of his direct descendants.

Elizabeth Hall was born to Susanna Shakespeare and Doctor John Hall and  was baptised in Holy Trinity Church, Stratford on Avon. She was the only grandchild William Shakespeare ever knew, because her three cousins were born after his death in 1616.

In 1629, Elizabeth Hall married Thomas Nash, who was a member of the Manor and Lordship of Shottery. On 4 April 1647, Thomas died, leaving Elizabeth a widow.

Elizabeth then married John Bernard, of Abington and  died in Abington  on 17^th February 1670 aged 64. John Bernard died in 1673.

Her name was added to the grave stone following an archaeological investigation in 1902, led by an amateur historian engaged upon research into Shakespeare and his family.

A slate memorial  stone in her memory has been placed  in the Lady Chapel.