Makeover for Shakespeare's 'cursed' grave

Published on Wednesday 28 May 2008 22:01

THE "cursed" tombstone of William Shakespeare is to undergo major restoration, it emerged yesterday.

The Bard's grave, at Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-on-Avon, bears a curse warning against moving his bones. But now the flat tombstone, which is beginning to flake away, is to be restored as part of extensive repairs at the building.

The stone will not be moved during the work, which will see a transparent grout used to hold the surface together.

Shakespeare was baptised at the church on 26 April, 1564, and buried there on 25 April, 1616.

He is believed to have penned the warning words inscribed on the tombstone. They read: "Good friend for Jisus sake forbeare, To digg the dust inclosed here, Blest be the man that spares these stones, Curst be he that moves my bones."