For most of us, our Wills will divide our Estate between friends and family. For the rich and famous there are often a number of more outlandish requests.
Charles Dickens for example, requested that no one attending his funeral wear scarves, cloaks, black bows, long hatbands or any other “revolting absurdity”. Meanwhile, his literary predecessor William Shakespeare left his wife his “second best bed” in his Will…how generous.
Magician Harry Houdini, left his wife a secret code which he told her he would use to contact her from beyond the grave. Rumour has it that she hosted séances every year, attempting to contact Houdini using his secret code, without success.
Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek, also had an interesting request for the afterlife. He asked for his ashes to be scattered in space, something which was successfully carried out in 1997.
Even more interestingly, back in the 19th Century, established lawyer Jeremy Bentham requested that on his death his body be preserved and stuffed with hay. He asked that following the process his body be put on display at the University College London, where it remains to this day.
More recently, Alexander McQueen left the majority of his Estate to charity after a significant $75,000 legacy set aside to care for his beloved dogs.
Whatever you wish to happen when you pass away, we at Fisher Jones Greenwood, are skilled in the preparation of Wills and would be happy to assist. Please contact us on 01026 700113 or email [email protected].
Credit – blog post written by Lauren Hancock.