Writer forged Shakespeare documents and deceived London in the 18th century

A skilled writer was able to deceive many people in London by claiming to be Shakespeare's document holder almost two centuries after the famous poet's death. His name was William Henry Ireland, and his prowess was forever marked in the city's history.

It all started when Ireland decided to please its father, Samuel, a devoted collector of antiques and curiosities. He handed her a wax-sealed parchment. Samuel was impressed by what he saw: a 1610 mortgage lawsuit signed by Shakespeare.

Well told story

Only a few signatures of Shakespeare had survived at that time (late 18th century). Ireland said it found the document by turning over an old chest belonging to a wealthy city, described only as "Lord H." Such Mr. H would have preferred to remain anonymous to avoid being disturbed, as well as showing no interest in the documents, according to the counterfeiter.

Samuel, the father, decided to investigate if the documents were really true and took them to a consultation at the College of Heralds, an organization specializing in coat of arms and genealogy research, which determined that they were legitimate. That was when the story began to get even more complicated.

Production without limits

Ireland falsified more documents to impress his father, and at a very opportune moment: At that time, interest in Shakespeare had reached its highest level since the artist's death. Thus, "love letters" appeared to future wife Anna Hatherrewaye, signed actor contracts, theatrical receipts, and even a bizarre cartoonized self-portrait.

But that was just the tip of the iceberg. Ireland “obtained” books from the Shakespeare library with personal notes, an initial draft of the play “King Lear” and the most surprising of all items: a completely unpublished play called “Vortigern and Rowena”.

Collective euphoria

The material was so compelling that it fooled even Irish playwright Richard Brinsley Sheridan, who bought the rights to "Vortigern and Rowena." Another struck by the collection was James Boswell, a biographer, lexicographer and Shakespeare fanatic, who even kissed the pages of counterfeit documents after analyzing them for hours.

But some inconsistencies and poor quality materials began to raise suspicion. In 1796, Edmond Malone, Shakespeare's foremost authority at the time, published a detailed analysis of the documents, arguing that it was all gross and bold fraud.

The lie is over

Still, the opinion was divided. Malone's book was long and academic, and not everyone had the patience to evaluate his arguments. However, it all came to an end when Ireland himself confessed the same year that his entire collection of finds had been forged.

After a time in prison, he moved to France, where he wrote books about French history and culture. He also published his own edition of Vortigern in 1832. In the end, he died of poverty in 1835. Today, William is most sympathetically seen: a son who was trying to get close to his father but was ultimately responsible for one of the biggest forgeries ever. views.