William Shakespeare left his wife, Anne Hathaway, his "second best bed with the furniture" in his will. This bequest has been widely discussed and interpreted in various ways. At the time, a bed was a valuable possession, and the "second best bed" was likely the couple's marital bed, which had sentimental value. Wives were often entitled by law to one-third of their husband's estate even if not mentioned specifically in the will, so the bequest was not necessarily a slight. The "best bed" was often reserved for guests. The mention of the second best bed might have been a tender or practical bequest, rather than an indication of any personal animosity or neglect. It is notable that Shakespeare's will does not mention Anne elsewhere, which has sparked speculation, but the legal context and customs of the time provide explanations for these details.