The scan of the Shakespeare family grave has already taken place. However, the results will not be revealed for several months (this being one of many events due to take place over the course of the year, in addition to the retelling of all 38 plays — the exact number of plays itself is a point of controversy.)
The scan used radar, designed not to be disruptive, and the anticipation is it will reveal the objects contained within the tomb. The Shakespeare family grave is located at the Holy Trinity Church in Stratford upon Avon, England. There are thought to be five bodies in the grave — Shakespeare, his wife, and children.
William Shakespeare was buried on April 23, 1616. He is the most celebrated playwright in the English speaking world, noted for writing a series of Elizabethan plays as well as poetry (if, indeed, the relatively unknown figure of Shakespeare wrote some or all of the plays accredited to him.)
Another reason for using radar, rather than excavating the grave, is because it carries a warning: “Good friend, for Jesus’ sake forebeare, To digg the dust enclosed heare; Bleste be the man that spares thes stones, And curst be he that moves my bones.” The epitaph was etched some years after the Bard had passed away at the age of 52.
The revelation of the mysteries of the grave will form part of a BBC documentary to broadcast in April 2016.
