Shakespeare’s Birthplace to Be ‘Decolonised’ Over ‘White Supremacy’ Fears
17th March 2025
To be or not to be decolonised — that is the question vexing the charity responsible for William Shakespeare’s estates, which has been plunged into controversy over the playwright’s legacy.
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, which owns his homes and some archival material linked to his birth, has been urged to “purge” its vast collections “of Anglocentric and colonialist thought”.
After academics raised concerns that venerating the writer could promote white supremacy, the trust has agreed to “create a more inclusive museum experience”. This will involve exploring “the continued impact of empire” on its collections, how colonialism has warped perceptions of world history, and that “Shakespeare’s work has played a part in this”.
The trust, which was established in 1847, has stated that the historical materials it holds may represent “values and stereotypes that are not consistent with the current values and practices” of its organisation. It has warned those who view its manuscripts and artefacts that they “may encounter language or depictions that are racist, sexist, homophobic, or otherwise harmful”.