Shakespeare’s Epitaph Carries a Curse to Ward Off Grave Robbers

This verse reflects the playwright’s desire to rest undisturbed. In Shakespeare’s time, grave robbing was not uncommon—bodies were sometimes exhumed to make space for new burials or for medical study. His curse, blending a plea with a threat, was likely a deliberate attempt to protect his final resting place.

To this day, his tomb remains unopened, and the curse is often cited as a reason why his remains have never been disturbed. It adds a mysterious layer to the legacy of one of the world’s greatest writers, turning his epitaph into a lasting part of his story.