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1564
Birth
Shakespeare was born on April 23, 1564 in Stratford-on-Avon. His parents were John and Mary Shakespeare. This event is significant because he grew up to be one of the most well known English writers. (Levi 2). -
Roanoke colony was founded
The first group of colonists in Roanoke did not work out because they didn't have enough supplies. A second group of colonists was brought to Roanoke in 1587 under John White. White had to go back to England to get more supplies, but the war with Spain delayed his return. When he returned in 1590, all the colonists were gone. No one knows what happened to those colonists. This event is significant because it was the first attempt at founding an English settlement in America (history.com). -
Spanish Armada was defeated
In 1588 the Spanish Armada was defeated by England.The goal was to overthrow Queen Elizabeth I and restore Catholicism in England. The Spanish Armada was defeated by the English fleet when the English sent burning ships toward the Spanish fleet and caused the Armada's formation to scatter. This event is significant because it prevented England from being invaded (history.com). -
Moved to London to become a playwright and poet
In 1592 Shakespeare moved from Stratford to London to become a playwright and poet. Most of his sonnets were likely written near this time. This event is significant because it was the start of his career.(pbs.org) -
Shakespeare became a published poet
London theaters were closed in 1593 because of the plague. Shakespeare also became a published poet in 1593, the same year when his poem Venus and Adonis was published. This event is significant because when the theaters were closed he became a poet. (www.biography.com). -
Joins the Lord Chamberlain's Men acting company
In 1594 Shakespeare became a member of the Lord Chamberlain's Men acting company. He was part of this company for most of his career. The Lord Chamberlain's Men changed its name to The Kings Men when James I became king of England. This event is significant because it is the acting company that Shakespeare was part of (biography.com) -
The Globe Theater was built
The Globe theater was built in 1599 in Southwark, London. It was one of the major theaters that were in that area. The theater was built for the Lord Chamberlain's men acting company, which Shakespeare was part of. This event is significant because it was where Shakespeare's plays written after 1599 were performed (Britannica.com). -
Hamlet was written
The play Hamlet was most likely written some time around 1599-1601. The play is a tragedy and has five acts. This event is significant because Hamlet is one of Shakespeare's most well known plays.(Britannica.com) -
James VI becomes king of England
Elizabeth I died without any children, so James IV became king of England. He was the king of Scotland 36 years before he became the king of England. This event is significant because while he was king he created the King James version of the bible, and it was the first time England and Scotland had the same monarch. (bbc.com) -
The Gunpowder Plot
The Gunpowder Plot was a failed plan to blow up king James VI and the parliament. It took place on November 5, 1605. It was organized by Catholics who wanted more religious toleration. The plot was discovered when one of the plotters was found in the cellar of the parliament building with barrels of gunpowder. This event is significant because it was an attempt to blow up the parliament and King James (history.com). -
Macbeth was written
Macbeth was probably written some time in 1606-1607. The play is a tragedy and has five acts. It is the shortest play of Shakespeare's tragedies. The story is about the rise and fall of Macbeth, a Scottish king. This event is significant because it is one of his most well known plays (Britannica.com). -
Jamestown was established
Jamestown was established on May 14, 1607. The colonists faced many struggles during the first year. Most of them didn't know how to farm or hunt which made surviving difficult. This event is significant because Jamestown was the first permanent English settlement in North America (Britannica.com). -
Galileo developed his own telescope
Galileo developed his own telescope in 1609 and used it to observe the solar system. He saw that Venus has phases like the moon, which showed that it rotated around the sun. He also saw that Jupiter has moons of its own. This is significant because his discoveries went against Aristotle's belief that the earth was the center of the universe (biography.com). -
The Globe Theater burned down
In 1613 the Globe Theater burned down while the play King Henry VIII was being performed. A cannon that was set off during the performance misfired and lighted the roof on fire. This is significant because it led to the theater being rebuilt (Schoenbaum 56). -
The second Globe Theater was built
After the first Globe theater burned down, a second theater had to be built. It was completed in 1614. This time the theater was built with a tile roof. The thatched roof on the first theater is what was set on fire. This event is significant because the Globe Theater is where Shakespeare's plays were performed. (Britannica.com) -
Death
Shakespeare died in 1616. The exact date of his death is not known, but most people believe it was on April 23. This event is significant because his work is still read by people after his death (biography.com).
