Elizabeth Hall

She was the daughter of Susanna (Shakespeare) and Dr. John Hall, and the granddaughter and last decendant of the English poet and playwright William Shakespeare.


Lady Elizabeth Bernard, nee Hall, was the granddaughter of the famous English poet and playwright William Shakespeare and was his last surviving descendant. She was baptised on Feb. 21, 1608 and died 17 Feb. 1670. Despite two marriages, she had no children.
In 1626, Elizabeth first married Thomas Nash. He was a member of the Manor and Lordship of Shottery. Nash is known to have been an ardent Royalist, a supporter of Charles I.
Thomas' will left his house in Chapel Street and two meadows to Elizabeth but left the bulk of his fortune to his cousin, Edward Nash. On Apr. 4, 1647, Thomas died, leaving Elizabeth a widow.
On 5 June 1649, eighteen months after Thomas's death, Elizabeth married John Barnard of Abington. Barnard was a widower with several children.
Five weeks after the marriage, Elizabeth's mother Susanna died. As a result, Elizabeth inherited the Shakespeare family property.
Elizabeth wrote her will on Jan. 29, 1669. She did not give much to her husband, Sir John Barnard. Elizabeth died at Abington, Northamptonshire on Feb. 17, 1670. There is a memorial plaque in the Church of Saint Peter & Paul, Abington, where she is buried.
(bio by Christina)