Shakespeare

Birth

Apr 23, 1564

Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon. His parents were John and Mary Shakespeare. His father was a succesful glover and his mother a wealthy farmes daughter. His birthday is not specifically known, but it is presumed to be this day.

The LIfe Of Shakespeare

Period: Apr 23, 1564 to Apr 23, 1616

Baptization

Apr 26, 1564

Shakespeare was baptized on April 26th 1564 in the Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon. A child was normally baptized a couple of days after its birth. It is seen in the entry in the parish on this day that "Gulielmus filius Johannes Shekaspeare" was baptizes. This means William son of John Shakespeare.

School

Apr 23, 1571

Shakespeare is presumed to have started school at seven years. He went to the local grammar school.

Marriage to Anne Hathaway

Nov 17, 1582

In 1582 William Shakespeare married a local girl - Anne Hathaway. She was 8 years his senior and the probable cause for the marriage was revealed 6 months later when she gave brith to a daugther. In 1585 the couple had more children - twins - a boy and a girl.

Mentioned in London

May 11, 1592

Shakespeare was mentioned in London by Robert Greene as a new dramatist who could "bombast out a new verse" as the best of the dramatists.

First published work

Mar 13, 1593

In 1593 Shakespeares first work was published. It was the poem called "Venus and Adonis". This and the subsequent poem "The Rape of Lucrece" were dedicated to the Earl of Southhampton.

A part of an acting company

Mar 12, 1594

In 1594 Shakespeare was recorded as a member of Lord Chamberlains's Men - a prominent acting company. This company changed its name in 1603 to The Kings Men - as it was employed by King James I.

Midsummer Nights Dream

Mar 12, 1595

Shakespeare wrote the comedy A Midsummer Nights Dream

Romeo and Juliet

Mar 12, 1595

Shakespeare wrote Romeo and Juliet in 1595

Coat of Arms

Mar 12, 1596

In 1596 Shakespeares father was granted a coat of arms resulting in him and his son getting the title of gentlemen. This is considered to be William's doing as a succesful businessman.

Globe Theatre

Mar 12, 1599

In 1599 the Globe theatre was built. As Shakespeare was involved with the economic affairs of the company - he was well educated in finance - and he held a one-tenth interest in the theatre.

Hamlet

Mar 12, 1600

Shakespeare wrote Hamlet in 1600-1601

Macbeth

Mar 12, 1606

Shakespeare wrote Macbeth in 1606

Retirement

Mar 12, 1612

In 1612 Shakespeare retired from London and moved to the centre of Stratford-upon-Avon where he in 1597 had bought a large piece of land.

Death

Apr 23, 1616

Shakespeare died in 1616 and was buried in the chuch where he was also baptized.