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Period: Nov 17, 1558 to
Queen Elizabeth's Reign
From 17 November 1558 until her death on 24 March 1603, she was queen. -
Aug 23, 1564
William Shakespeare is Born
On this date, Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon to John and Mary Arden Shakespeare. -
1569
Shakespeare Goes to School
Shakespeare enters King's New School in Stratford -
Sep 28, 1582
Shakespeare Gets Married
William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway get married by the Bishop of Worcester. -
First Child is Born
A couple months after marriage, the Shakespeare's first child, Susanna, is born and baptized. -
Shakespeare Has Twins
On this date, Shakespeare and his wife have twins. -
Shakespeare's First Play
On this date, Shakespeare writes Henry VI, Part One—his very first play. -
Plague Closes Theaters
On this date, the theaters are closed due to an outbreak of the bubonic plague. Shakespeare uses this break from theater to write poetry. -
Theaters Reopen
In the spring, the theaters reopen to the public. -
"The Rape of Lucrece"
Shakespeare publishes "The Rape of Lucrece" -
Hamnet Dies
William and Anne's only son dies at the age of 11 of unknown causes. -
New House
Shakespeare buys New Place, the second largest house in Stratford. -
Shakespeare Earns Praise
Francis Meres publishes a glowing review of Shakespeare's work. -
The Globe Theater is Built
The Chamberlain's Men build the Globe, a wooden theater in London. -
Hamlet
Shakespeare is motivated by his fathers death to write Hamlet. -
Period: to
King James's Reign
From 23 March 1603 until his death in 1625 he was king. -
Shakespeare Returns to Stratford
Shakespeare leaves London and moves back to Stratford with his wife and children. -
Shakespeare's Final Plays
Shakespeare composes his final plays in collaboration with John Fletcher, who was a replacement playwright for the King's Men. The Globe catches fire during a performance of Henry VIII and burns to the ground. -
Shakespeare's Last Will
Shakespeare calls his Lawyer to revise his will. He makes odd changes such as leaving his "second best bed" to his wife and 10 pounds to the poor. -
Shakespeare Dies
Suffering from an unknown illness, William Shakespeare dies on his 52nd birthday.
