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1564
Baby Shakespeare is Born
William Shakespeare was born on April 23, 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, a Market town. -
Apr 26, 1564
Baby Shakespeare is Baptized
Shakespeare was baptized on April 26, 1564 -
1582
Shakespeare's Wife
In 1582, Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway. -
Hamnet and Judith
Anne and William have twins. -
Shakespeare's first play
Shakespeare's first completed play was Henry the IV part one which was followed by part two and three in 1591. This was his first well published play that readers and historians know about. -
Shakespeare travels to London
After his releasing of his first play he decided to live life in London for a while. -
Plague Closes Theaters
London theaters are closed due to an outbreak of bubonic plague that eventually kills about five percent of the city's residents. Shakespeare uses the break to write poetry. -
"Venus and Adonis"
Shakespeare publishes "Venus and Adonis," his first long published poem. It is dedicated to his patron Henry Wriothesley, the Earl of Southampton. -
Plague Closes Theaters
London theaters are closed due to an outbreak of bubonic plague that eventually kills about five percent of the city's residents. Shakespeare uses the break to write poetry. -
"Venus and Adonis"
Shakespeare publishes "Venus and Adonis," his first long published poem. It is dedicated to his patron Henry Wriothesley, the Earl of Southampton. -
Theaters Reopen
In the spring of 1594, the London theaters reopen to the public. Over the next five years Shakespeare's troupe, the Chamberlain's Men, becomes one of the most popular acting groups in London. They accept frequent invitations to perform in the royal court of Queen Elizabeth I. -
"The Rape of Lucrece"
Shakespeare publishes "The Rape of Lucrece," also dedicated to the Earl of Southampton. Shakespeare purchases shares in the Chamberlain's Men. -
Theaters Reopen
In the spring of 1594, the London theaters reopen to the public. Over the next five years Shakespeare's troupe, the Chamberlain's Men, becomes one of the most popular acting groups in London. They accept frequent invitations to perform in the royal court of Queen Elizabeth I. -
"The Rape of Lucrece"
Shakespeare publishes "The Rape of Lucrece," also dedicated to the Earl of Southampton. Shakespeare purchases shares in the Chamberlain's Men. -
Death of Hamnet
William and Anne bury their only son, Hamnet, who dies at the age of 11 of unknown causes. -
Death of Hamnet
William and Anne bury their only son, Hamnet, who dies at the age of 11 of unknown causes. -
New Home
Wealthy thanks to his theater work and shrewd investments, Shakespeare buys New Place, the second-largest house in Stratford. -
New Home
Wealthy thanks to his theater work and shrewd investments, Shakespeare buys New Place, the second-largest house in Stratford. -
Globe Theater Built
The Chamberlain's Men build the Globe, a wooden theater in London. Many of Shakespeare's most famous plays are performed for the first time here. -
Hamlet
Shakespeare's father dies and his patron Earl Southampton is sentenced to death for his role in the Essex rebellion. It is believed that his father's death motivates Shakespeare to write Hamlet around this time. Shakespeare's plays over the next few years take a dark, brooding tone.
