Digital archives shed light on William Shakespeare’s sister, revealing a unique historical document

In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have uncovered a document long attributed to William Shakespeare’s father, John, which actually belongs to his lesser-known sister, Joan Shakespeare. This revelation, made by Professor Matthew Steggle from the University of Bristol, challenges historical narratives and brings Joan’s voice to the forefront, providing rare insight into the life of a woman closely related to one of literature’s giants.

Found in the rafters of the Shakespeare family home in Stratford-upon-Avon by a bricklayer in the 18th century, the document—a religious tract pledging to die a good Catholic death—was initially believed to be a testament of John Shakespeare’s secret Catholic faith during Elizabethan England’s turbulent religious climate. However, through meticulous analysis of digital archives, including Google Books, Professor Steggle determined the text’s true authorship.

The tract, a translation of the Italian “The Last Will and Testament of the Soul,” dates to several years after John Shakespeare’s death, pointing to Joan as the manuscript’s creator. Joan, born in 1569, outlived her illustrious brother by three decades, residing in Stratford-upon-Avon and leading a modest life overshadowed by William’s legacy.

This discovery underscores the power of digital technology in historical research, allowing scholars to access and analyze texts from libraries worldwide. It also highlights the voices of early modern women, often silenced or overlooked, including Joan Shakespeare, who, until now, was virtually absent from the historical record.

The document reveals Joan’s deep religious convictions, her reverence for the Virgin Mary and Saint Winifred, and her contemplation on death and penance. Such personal expressions from a woman of her time are exceedingly rare, making this find all the more significant.

Joan’s use of Saint Winifred, a figure associated with resisting male advances, as a patron saint further suggests the document’s female authorship. This connection to Winifred, celebrated for her miraculous survival and devotion, resonates with the themes of female resilience and piety evident in Joan’s pledge.

This revelation not only adds a new dimension to our understanding of the Shakespeare family’s religious beliefs but also sheds light on Joan Shakespeare’s inner life and spiritual reflections. As the only known British example of such a pledge, Joan’s document is a remarkable artefact that bridges the gap between historical obscurity and the rich tapestry of the Shakespeare legacy.

By bringing Joan Shakespeare’s voice out of the shadows, this research challenges us to reconsider the narratives surrounding one of literature’s most studied families. It is a testament to the enduring quest for knowledge and the untold stories waiting to be discovered through the lenses of technology and scholarly perseverance.