William Shakespeare Timeline
William Shakespeare by People
William Shakespeare, born in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, is often called the greatest writer in the English language. He wrote 39 plays, 154 sonnets, and two long narrative poems, many of which are still performed and studied worldwide today. His works, including famous ones like "Romeo and Juliet," "Hamlet," and "Macbeth," have had a profound impact on literature, contributing to the development of the English language and introducing phrases and expressions still used today. Shakespeare's influence extends beyond literature into the arts, with his plays inspiring countless adaptations in multiple languages across various mediums. He died in 1616, but his legacy continues to shape the world of literature and drama.
April 26, 1564
Birth of Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon
The birth of this influential writer took place in a small market town in England known as Stratford-upon-Avon. His parents were John Shakespeare, a successful glover and local politician, and Mary Arden, the daughter of a wealthy landowning farmer. It's important to note that exact records of his birth are not available, but church records show he was baptized on April 26th, implying he was born a few days prior.
September 1, 1571
Start of Shakespeare's Education at the King's New School
The King's New School, located in Stratford-upon-Avon, was an institution known for its rigorous curriculum. Here, the young playwright studied Latin texts, grammar, and rhetoric. This education played a significant role in his future works, as it provided him with a deep understanding of language and storytelling.
November 27, 1582
Marriage to Anne Hathaway
The bride, Anne Hathaway, was 26 years old and already expecting their first child. The groom was 18 years old at the time of their marriage. The couple had three children together, but spent much of their married life apart due to the groom's work in London.
May 26, 1583
Birth of his first child, Susanna
Susanna was the eldest of three children born to the renowned playwright. Her birth marked the beginning of Shakespeare's journey as a father. She later married a prominent physician, Dr. John Hall, and they had one daughter, Elizabeth.
February 2, 1585
Birth of his twins, Hamnet and Judith
The twins were born to Shakespeare's wife, Anne Hathaway, in Stratford-upon-Avon. Unfortunately, Hamnet passed away at the age of 11, a tragedy that is thought to have influenced some of Shakespeare's writing. Judith, on the other hand, lived to the age of 77.
Year 1592
First recognition as an actor, poet, and playwright in London
This recognition marked the start of his illustrious career in the world of theater. It was during this time that he began writing plays and performing on stage. His works quickly gained popularity, establishing him as a prominent figure in London's literary and theatrical scene.
April 18, 1593
Publication of his first poem, 'Venus and Adonis'
'Venus and Adonis' is a narrative poem that tells the story of the goddess Venus's love for the mortal Adonis. It was a significant work because it marked the author's first foray into poetry. The poem was well-received and helped to establish the author's reputation as a talented writer.
Year 1594
Becomes a shareholder in the Lord Chamberlain's Men, a company of actors
The Lord Chamberlain's Men was a prominent acting company in London. As a shareholder, the playwright had a financial stake in the company's success. This group later became known as the King's Men and performed many of his famous plays.
May 4, 1597
Purchase of New Place, one of the largest houses in Stratford-upon-Avon
The New Place was a grand residence, reflecting Shakespeare's wealth and status. It had ten fireplaces, a courtyard, and a garden. The Bard lived there until his death in 1616.
September 29, 1599
Opening of the Globe Theatre in London, where many of his plays were performed
The Globe Theatre was a significant venue for live performances during the Elizabethan era. It was built by Shakespeare's playing company, the Lord Chamberlain's Men. This theatre was a three-story, open-air amphitheater that could house up to 3,000 spectators.
July 24, 1605
Purchase of a lease of a part of the Stratford tithes
The purchase allowed the Bard to receive a steady income from the harvested produce of the area. This was a common investment during the period, providing a reliable source of income. The tithes, a tenth of the produce, were paid to him as the leaseholder.
November 1, 1611
Retirement to Stratford-upon-Avon
The renowned playwright decided to leave the bustling city of London and return to his birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon. This decision marked the end of his prolific career in writing and theater. He spent the rest of his life in relative peace, away from the public eye.
March 25, 1616
Signing of his will
The famous playwright made changes to his will shortly before his death, leaving the majority of his estate to his eldest daughter, Susanna. His wife, Anne Hathaway, was bequeathed his 'second-best bed'. This event is significant as it provides a glimpse into his personal life and family relations.
April 23, 1616
Death of Shakespeare
The renowned playwright passed away in his hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon. He was buried in the Holy Trinity Church, where he was baptized. His death is shrouded in mystery as the exact cause remains unknown.
William Shakespeare, born in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, is often called the greatest writer in the English language. He wrote 39 plays, 154 sonnets, and two long narrative poems, many of which are still performed and studied worldwide today. His works, including famous ones like "Romeo and Juliet," "Hamlet," and "Macbeth," have had a profound impact on literature, contributing to the development of the English language and introducing phrases and expressions still used today. Shakespeare's influence extends beyond literature into the arts, with his plays inspiring countless adaptations in multiple languages across various mediums. He died in 1616, but his legacy continues to shape the world of literature and drama.
The birth of this influential writer took place in a small market town in England known as Stratford-upon-Avon. His parents were John Shakespeare, a successful glover and local politician, and Mary Arden, the daughter of a wealthy landowning farmer. It's important to note that exact records of his birth are not available, but church records show he was baptized on April 26th, implying he was born a few days prior.
The King's New School, located in Stratford-upon-Avon, was an institution known for its rigorous curriculum. Here, the young playwright studied Latin texts, grammar, and rhetoric. This education played a significant role in his future works, as it provided him with a deep understanding of language and storytelling.
The bride, Anne Hathaway, was 26 years old and already expecting their first child. The groom was 18 years old at the time of their marriage. The couple had three children together, but spent much of their married life apart due to the groom's work in London.
Susanna was the eldest of three children born to the renowned playwright. Her birth marked the beginning of Shakespeare's journey as a father. She later married a prominent physician, Dr. John Hall, and they had one daughter, Elizabeth.
The twins were born to Shakespeare's wife, Anne Hathaway, in Stratford-upon-Avon. Unfortunately, Hamnet passed away at the age of 11, a tragedy that is thought to have influenced some of Shakespeare's writing. Judith, on the other hand, lived to the age of 77.
This recognition marked the start of his illustrious career in the world of theater. It was during this time that he began writing plays and performing on stage. His works quickly gained popularity, establishing him as a prominent figure in London's literary and theatrical scene.
'Venus and Adonis' is a narrative poem that tells the story of the goddess Venus's love for the mortal Adonis. It was a significant work because it marked the author's first foray into poetry. The poem was well-received and helped to establish the author's reputation as a talented writer.
The Lord Chamberlain's Men was a prominent acting company in London. As a shareholder, the playwright had a financial stake in the company's success. This group later became known as the King's Men and performed many of his famous plays.
The New Place was a grand residence, reflecting Shakespeare's wealth and status. It had ten fireplaces, a courtyard, and a garden. The Bard lived there until his death in 1616.
The Globe Theatre was a significant venue for live performances during the Elizabethan era. It was built by Shakespeare's playing company, the Lord Chamberlain's Men. This theatre was a three-story, open-air amphitheater that could house up to 3,000 spectators.
The purchase allowed the Bard to receive a steady income from the harvested produce of the area. This was a common investment during the period, providing a reliable source of income. The tithes, a tenth of the produce, were paid to him as the leaseholder.
The renowned playwright decided to leave the bustling city of London and return to his birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon. This decision marked the end of his prolific career in writing and theater. He spent the rest of his life in relative peace, away from the public eye.
The famous playwright made changes to his will shortly before his death, leaving the majority of his estate to his eldest daughter, Susanna. His wife, Anne Hathaway, was bequeathed his 'second-best bed'. This event is significant as it provides a glimpse into his personal life and family relations.
The renowned playwright passed away in his hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon. He was buried in the Holy Trinity Church, where he was baptized. His death is shrouded in mystery as the exact cause remains unknown.