Could a coffin be key to a mystery?

A MONUMENT at a Warwick church could hold the answer to an age-old Shakespearian mystery.

An application has been made to examine an ancient sarcophagus – and the clues inside could finally solve the riddle of who really wrote the plays of William Shakespeare – Warwickshire’s most beloved son.

The application has been made to Coventry Diocese by historian AWL Saunders to examine a 17th century sarcophagus at St Mary’s Church.

The stone coffin was built by Fulke Greville – a writer and contemporary of Shakespeare who some believe is the actual author of several of Shakespeare’s works. Greville is buried in the crypt below the monument and Saunders said there are clues in Greville’s writings that suggest he had several manuscripts buried at the church, including a copy of Antony and Cleopatra.

But in typical Shakespearian fashion, trouble is brewing for the hapless seekers of the truth.

The initial search was approved by the parochial church council but is being resisted by Coventry Diocese, which says there is not enough evidence to give the search the go-ahead.
Canon Mervyn Roberts, speaking for Coventry Diocese, said: “If someone wishes to have a monument or something in a church removed or looked into, they have to put in and obtain what is called a faculty. It’s very detailed and is an important check and balance against inappropriate requests.

“This particular case was considered by the Diocesan Advisory Committee but they have not approved it at the present time.

“It wasn’t approved because it was felt there wasn’t enough concrete evidence to disturb the monument yet but this doesn’t restrict a person from appealing or re-applying.

“The next step is for the chancellor, who is like the final judge of the diocese, to decide whether he agrees with the current decision or whether he wants to override it. At the moment it’s still not sure what the outcome will be.

“This is not the first time that links to Shakespeare at this church have been suggested but there are all sorts of conspiracies, anyone could make a claim really, which is why we have to consult widely to make a decision.

“It’s a serious issue to disturb a monument, particularly as this one is over a grave. And when someone is laid to rest and they request things to be put in their tomb, one would assume they don’t want them to be removed."

Saunders claims there are several clues suggesting Greville is responsible for writing a number of Shakespeare’s works.
He said Greville’s life and writings closely match those of Shakespeare, suggesting they could be the same person – the two lived in the same street, had the same friends and were members of the same literary circles.

He also claims to have found hints in Greville’s The Life of Sidney that suggest the author wrote Antony and Cleopatra and that he had it and other works, including a biography of Elizabeth I, placed in the sarcophagus.

A spokesperson for St Mary’s Church said: “The final decision is between Mr Saunders and the diocese. We’re happy with whatever they decide. All the church has done is said we won’t withhold our assent.”