William Shakespeare
is such a domineering figure in English literature that any village that
has a connection with him will receive the interest of a host of scholars seeking out the man behind the plays. In the last few years fresh insights into the great playwright
have associated him with leading Catholic families at the time of Protestant supremacy. At Tong one of the most elusive connections to Shakespeare has been known to exist
for some centuries. In this chapter the author unravels the host of theories concerning Shakespeare and Sir Thomas Stanley's
tomb in Tong Church.
“In 1929, a Mrs Esdaile wrote a pamphlet entitled Shakespeare's verses in Tong Church. She asserted the authenticity of Shakespeare's verses. She pointed
out that doggerel rhymes, like those on Shakespeare's own memorial in Stratford-on-Avon Church, were written because they were easy for the stone carvers.
She mentioned the Shakespeare connection with the Stanleys. A Midsummer Night's Dream was written for the
wedding of Fernando (fifth Earl of Derby) in 1588.
Fernando had taken over the patronage of Shakespeare's company of players in that year.”
The connection between of William Shakespeare and Sir Edward Stanley is not open to debate. It is also well known that Shakespeare's patron the
Earl of Southampton's wife was a Vernon to whom the Stanleys are closely related.
In his summing up using all the latest sources and scholarship the author sorts out a few of the common myths that has been spun on this topic.
“The Stanley tomb has also attracted the attention of those who wish to undermine Shakespeare as the author of the plays. One theory ascribes them to William, Earl of Derby, arguing that he wrote the words on this tomb in 1632. The evidence above undermines this and other theories.
“Ask who lyes here but do not weep
He is not dead he doth but sleep
This stoney register is for his bones
His fame is more perpetual than these stones
And his own goodness with himself being gone
Shall lyve when earthlie monument is none.
Not monumental stone preserves our Fame
Nor sky aspiring pyramids our name
The memory of Him for whom this stands
Shall out live marble and defacers' hands
When all to tyme's consumption shall be geaven
Standley for whom this stands shall stand in Heaven”
The lines attributed to Shakespeare on the Stanley tomb at Tong Church.
Chapter 12 also covers some other intriguing literary associations including John Milton;
Lady Venetia Stanley;
John Evelyn (the diarist) and
Lady Mary Wortley Montagu.
The effigy of Sir Thomas Stanley, the inscriptions run along the base of the tomb.
Copyright © 2007, 2008 Discovering Tong
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