A last will and testament is more than just a legal document. It’s a reflection of a person’s final wishes, sometimes revealing quirky, heartwarming, or even bizarre bequests. Throughout history, individuals have left behind incredible, strange, and sometimes even controversial items to their loved ones, friends, and even strangers. Below, we explore 10 of the most famous and interesting things people have left in their wills.
Napoleon Bonaparte’s Request for a Shaved Head – Napoleon Bonaparte, the infamous French emperor, left a rather unusual request in his will. He instructed that, after his death, his head should be shaved, and the hair distributed among his close friends. Some believe this was a final act of loyalty, while others suspect he feared poisoning and wanted his hair preserved for analysis.
Source: Markham, J. D. (2005). Napoleon for Dummies. Wiley Publishing.
Shakespeare’s Second Best Bed – William Shakespeare, the world-renowned playwright, left an unexpected bequest to his wife, Anne Hathaway—his “second-best bed.” While some scholars believe this was a romantic gesture (as the best bed was often reserved for guests), others suggest it might have been a slight.
Source: Duncan-Jones, K. (2010). Shakespeare: An Ungentle Life. Arden Shakespeare.
Benjamin Franklin’s Cane and Money for Education – The founding father of the United States, Benjamin Franklin, left a walking cane to his friend George Washington. More notably, he left 1,000 pounds to fund scholarships and apprenticeships in Boston and Philadelphia, emphasizing his lifelong commitment to education and civic duty.
Source: Isaacson, W. (2003). Benjamin Franklin: An American Life. Simon & Schuster.
Harry Houdini’s Secret Code – Famed magician Harry Houdini left his wife, Bess, a letter containing a secret code. He had promised her that, if communication from the afterlife were possible, he would contact her using this code. Bess attempted séances for ten years, but Houdini never sent a message from beyond the grave.
Source: Kalush, W., & Sloman, L. (2006). The Secret Life of Houdini: The Making of America’s First Superhero. Atria Books.
A Fortune to a Homeless Man – Luis Carlos de Noronha Cabral da Camara, a Portuguese aristocrat, shocked everyone when his will revealed that his multi-million-euro estate would go to 70 strangers randomly chosen from a phone directory. The beneficiaries were in disbelief, as they had never met him.
Source: BBC News. (2007). “Portuguese Aristocrat’s Random Fortune.” Retrieved from BBC.
A 12-Year-Old’s Surprise Bequest – In a touching story, a 12-year-old girl named Phoebe B. left her teddy bear collection to children in need. While she didn’t have great wealth, her will ensured that her beloved stuffed animals found new homes where they would bring comfort to others.
Source: Daily Mail UK. (2015). “Girl Leaves Teddy Bears in Her Will.” Retrieved from Daily Mail.
A Fund for Londoners to Party – A wealthy British businessman, Jeremy Bentham, left a provision in his will to fund a large party for Londoners every year. His wish was to promote happiness and community bonding, and the tradition continued for decades.
Source: Rosen, F. (2003). Jeremy Bentham and Representative Democracy. Oxford University Press.
A Dog Worth Millions – Hotelier Leona Helmsley left a staggering $12 million to her Maltese dog, Trouble. The sum ensured that Trouble lived in luxury for the rest of its life, complete with security guards and gourmet meals.
Source: New York Times. (2007). “Leona Helmsley Leaves Millions to Dog.” Retrieved from NY Times.
A Gold Watch for a Future Descendant – A man named Samuel Bratt held a lifelong grudge against his wife, who forbade him from smoking cigars. In his will, he left her £300,000 on the condition that she smoke five cigars a day.
Source: Guardian UK. (1990). “Strange Bequests in British Wills.” Retrieved from Guardian.
A Skeleton for Scientific Study – Famous philosopher Jeremy Bentham went a step further in his will. He requested that his body be preserved and displayed at University College London. His remains are still on display today, fulfilling his wish to continue educating future generations.
Source: University College London. “Jeremy Bentham’s Auto-Icon.” Retrieved from UCL.
The Importance of Proper Will Writing
While these fascinating cases highlight the unexpected surprises found in wills, they also underline the importance of proper estate planning. At Town and Country Law, we specialise in professional will writing services to ensure your wishes are clearly documented and legally sound.
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Start Planning Today. Don’t leave your estate to chance. Whether you want to provide for loved ones, donate to charity, or create a unique legacy, our team at Town and Country Law is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step in securing your family’s future.