Stratford-upon-Avon Research Conversations

Monthly talks at Stratford-upon-Avon Library exploring Shakespeare and local history research.

The second Monday of every month from 3.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m., Stratford-upon-Avon Public Library, Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6QW.

Stratford-upon-Avon is the home to some of the greatest research resources for Shakespeare, the town itself, and the wider, local region.

Please come and join us for an opportunity to hear about the research being carried out into the wonderful archives and collections made available to us all.

We begin with a twenty-minute conversation between a visiting guest-speaker and someone whose research is connected to Stratford-upon-Avon and then develop that conversation more widely among those present.

Everyone is welcome. Admission Free. Refreshments are available. Donations encouraged.

Tickets can be booked on the Eventbrite website.

Presented by The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and The Stratford Library.

‘The Battle of Wills: Discovering Thomas Nash’s Will (1642)'

In August 2025, Dr Daniel Gosling discovered the 1642 will of Thomas Nash, grandson-in-law of William Shakespeare, at The National Archives. His research links this will to a 1640s Chancery dispute concerning the ownership of New Place, the Shakespeare family home. Thomas Nash attempted to bequeath the property to his cousin, Edward Nash, even though the rightful owner per Shakespeare’s will was his daughter Susanna Hall, still living at the time of Nash’s death in 1647. The ensuing battle of wills demonstrates that Shakespeare’s wishes laid out in his own will were far from assured after his death.

Dr Daniel Gosling is Principal Legal Records Specialist at The National Archives.

If you’d like to join us, please sign up for free via the Eventbrite website.