A mysterious crypt in Warwickshire internationally rumoured to hold the secrets of the location of Shakespeare’s wedding has been opened for the first time in hundreds of years.
The “exciting” move at the 11th century All Saints at Billesley, between Alcester and Stratford-upon-Avon, was made by the charity The Churches Conservation Trust.
Researchers photographed markings and inscriptions on the coffins but it is not yet known if the opening of the crypt at the Grade I-listed ancient monument has provided a definitive answer to the mystery as the findings are now being carefully analysed by experts.
Billesley is a leading contender of a number of churches thought to be the venue for William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway’s wedding in 1582 as there is strong historical evidence that Shakespeare’s granddaughter Elizabeth Barnard was married at the church – possibly to follow in her grandparents footsteps.
There has also been speculation that Billesley’s crypt could hold vital clues.
The trust’s archaeological team eventually squeezed in to the crypt through a tiny opening and discovered five stone and lead coffins and a small wooden child’s coffin dating from the early 1700s belonging to the Whalley family, who were the owners of the local manor house, along with stone carvings on the walls and other markings.
Jo Cross, the trust’s Midlands officer, said: “It was tremendously exciting to go into the Billesley church crypt knowing we were the first people to enter the space for hundreds of years.
"The mystery of Shakespeare’s wedding venue remains unsolved, but trying to track down where our most famous writer tied the knot still remains as exciting and challenging as before.”
The crypt has now been resealed and secured.
The legends that surround Billesley and other possible venues for Shakespeare’s wedding will form part of a touring exhibition And Thereby Hangs A Tale, launched at Anne Hathway’s Cottage, Stratford-upon-Avon, in September.
