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1558
Ruler
The Elizabethan era but also as the Golden Age of Elizabeth. The virgin queen was one of the most popular monarchs in English history and loved the theater. -
1564
Birth
On April 1564 a boy name William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon. -
Apr 26, 1564
Baptism
Shakespeare was baptised in Holy Trinity Church. -
1571
Education
Shakespeare begins his education at the King’s Free Grammar School (his place was made eligible due to his father’s position as an alderman of Stratford-upon-Avon) -
Marriage
Shakespeare marries Anne Hathaway ( 26 years old ) at Temple Grafton. -
Kids
William and Anne’s first child Susanna is born (meaning Anne would have been 3-4 months pregnant at the time of her marriage) -
Career
Shakespeare's writing career begins at the age of 26. -
First play written.
Shakespeare writes his first play " King Richard III" . This was written around 1590-1596. -
Second play
At the age of 27, William writes his second play " King Henry V". It was written around the time of 1591-1593. -
Shakespeare in London
The earliest known record of Shakespeare’s residency in London; in a critical piece included in a posthumous collection of the writings of Robert Greene, Groat’s-worth of Wit, there is an allusion to Shakespeare’s theatrical and literary career -
Greene attacks Shakespeare
Playwright Robert Greene pens a scathing critique of Shakespeare, calling him an "upstart crow" who doesn't belong with Greene's university-educated dramatist crowd. Thanks to this diatribe, we now know that Shakespeare has become successful enough as a playwright by 1592 to make his peers jealous. -
Plague
London’s theaters are closed down for a period of around 2 years, due to plague -
Chamberlain's Men
The Chamberlain’s Men (later the King’s Men) – the first Shakespeare company – is formed to perform at The Theatre in Shoreditch (built 1576) -
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. -
Straford-upon-Avon
Shakespeare purchases New Place on Church Street in Stratford-upon-Avon -
Appearance
Shakespeare’s name begins to appear on the title pages of quartos of his plays -
Globe Theater
In 1599, the Globe Theater is built. William at the time was 35 years old. -
Julius Caesar
The tragedy of Julius Caesar is a history play and tragedy by William Shakespeare,believed to have been written in 1599. It's one of the many plays written by Shakespeare based on true events. -
Hamlet
Around the time of 1600, William wrote this tragedy story at the age of 36. -
King Richard II
First recorded performance of ‘King Richard II’, a revival performed at the Globe and commissioned by supporters of the Earl Of Essex -
Ruler
James I, (born June 19, 1566, Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, Scotland—died March 27, 1625, Theobalds, Hertfordshire, England), king of Scotland -
Death
Shakespeare dies at home at New Place, Stratford-upon-Avon (popular belief has it that William died of alcoholism following a session of heavy drinking shared with his old friend Ben Johnson (poet and fellow playwright) and the poet Michael Drayton. Other possible causes include syphilis and typhoid. -
Burial
Shakespeare is buried in Holy Trinity Church in Stratford, the same church where he was baptized. His marker orders a curse on anyone who disturbs his grave.
