What was the rule of inheritance in shakespeare time?

The rule of inheritance in Shakespeare's time was based on the principle of primogeniture. Primogeniture dictates that the eldest son inherits all of his father's property, while the younger sons receive nothing. This system was designed to ensure that the family's wealth and power remained concentrated in the hands of a single individual, rather than being divided among several heirs.

In addition to primogeniture, there were also a number of other rules that governed inheritance in Shakespeare's time. For example, women were generally not allowed to inherit property in their own right, unless they were the only surviving child. If a man died without any children, his property would pass to his nearest male relative.

The rule of primogeniture was often seen as unfair, as it could lead to younger sons being left with nothing. In some cases, this could even lead to conflict between brothers, as the younger sons might feel that they had been cheated out of their rightful inheritance.

Despite its flaws, primogeniture was the accepted rule of inheritance in Shakespeare's time, and it played an important role in shaping the social structure of England.