Who Did Ben Johnson Leave His Money To

Who Did Ben Johnson Leave His Money To?

Ben Johnson, the renowned playwright and poet of the Elizabethan era, lived a life full of fame, success, and financial stability. However, when it came to his last will and testament, he left his money to a rather unexpected recipient.

Born in 1572 in London, Ben Johnson became one of the most prominent literary figures of his time. His plays, such as “Every Man in His Humour” and “Volpone,” were highly popular and performed at the famous Globe Theatre. Johnson’s talent and wit earned him the favor of King James I, who granted him a pension in recognition of his contributions to English literature.

When Johnson passed away in 1637, he left behind a considerable fortune. Surprisingly, he chose not to leave his money to his family or close friends but rather to his literary executor and personal friend, Sir William Davenant. Davenant, a poet and playwright himself, was known for his close association with Johnson and for continuing his theatrical legacy after his death.

Johnson’s decision to leave his money to Davenant instead of his own family raised many eyebrows. However, it is believed that the playwright had a strained relationship with his own children, which might have influenced his choice. Additionally, Davenant had been a loyal supporter and promoter of Johnson’s works throughout his life, making him a suitable candidate to carry on his artistic legacy.

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Sir William Davenant was not only the beneficiary of Johnson’s wealth but also his literary executor. This meant that he was responsible for overseeing the publication and preservation of Johnson’s works. Davenant took this role seriously and played a significant role in preserving Johnson’s legacy for future generations.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Why did Ben Johnson leave his money to Sir William Davenant? Johnson had a strained relationship with his own family and considered Davenant a loyal supporter of his works.

2. Did Johnson have any children? Yes, he had several children, but his relationship with them was not favorable.

3. How much money did Johnson leave to Davenant? The exact amount is unknown, but it was a considerable fortune.

4. What did Davenant do with the money? Davenant used the money to continue promoting and preserving Johnson’s works.

5. Did Davenant fulfill his role as literary executor? Yes, Davenant took his responsibilities seriously and played a significant role in preserving Johnson’s legacy.

6. Did Johnson’s family contest the will? There is no record of any legal challenges from Johnson’s family regarding his will.

7. Did Davenant benefit from Johnson’s wealth? Yes, Davenant became financially secure due to Johnson’s decision.

8. Did Davenant continue his own literary career after Johnson’s death? Yes, Davenant continued to write and produce plays, even after inheriting Johnson’s fortune.

In conclusion, Ben Johnson’s decision to leave his money to Sir William Davenant instead of his family was unexpected, but it reflected his complicated relationships and his trust in Davenant’s dedication to preserving his artistic legacy. Davenant fulfilled his role as literary executor and continued to contribute to the literary world, thanks to Johnson’s generosity.

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