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1564
Shakespeare is born
In 1564, William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. The exact date of his birth is unknown, but there are Church records for his baptism on April 26th, 1564. Therefore, it is believed that his birth was shortly before this date.
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Judith and Hamnet are born
In 1585, Shakespeare and his wife, Anne Hathaway, welcomed twins into their family. This event began the period in his life known as the “lost years.” There are no records of Shakespeare at all, and no one knows what he was doing during these years.
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Romeo and Juliet is published
In 1597, Shakespeare wrote one of the most famous plays in all of literature: Romeo and Juliet. This play was written in iambic pentameter and tells the tragedy of two star-crossed lovers. Romeo and Juliet was performed for the first time in 1597 at the Globe Theatre.
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Shakespeare's acting company changes name
When King James I came to power in 1603, Shakespeare’s acting group changed its name from Lord Chamberlain’s Men to the King’s men. At this time, royalty, such as a king or queen, were sponsors of acting groups. Because King James I became the group's patron, they changed the name to honor him.
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The Globe Theater burns down
In 1613, during a performance of Henry VIII, a cannonball meant to announce the arrival of a character accidentally set fire to the thatched roof. The Globe Theater quickly burned down. A year later, the Globe was rebuilt and upgraded with a tile roof and more extravagant decorations.
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Shakespeare dies
On April 23, 1616, Shakespeare passed away. Not only was Shakespeare a prolific playwriter and poet during his time, but he left behind a famous legacy and reputation that lasts to this day. Shakespeare's plays and poems are taught in schools across the world, and every day, many people use language that he coined.
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