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Jan 1, 1531
Backgrounds of William's Parent
John Shakespeare was the father of William Shakespeare and lived between 1531-1601. He was part of a lower class family. Mary Arden was the mother of William Shakespeare and lived between 1540-1608. She was the youngest and the most liked from the eight daughters Robert Arden had which was her father. They were a religious Catholic family. Mary Arden got married shortly after her fathers death and it is said that if he was alive he would have disapproved of the marriage. -
Jan 6, 1557
The Marriage of Wiliam Shakespeare's Parents
It is said that many people arrange their marriage around June of every year because that was when the people took their yearly showers in May which is a result of the nice weather. There are a lot of similarities in Wedding traditions like today for example, the concept of fresh flowers is still used today and feasts with family also where musicians entertain the crowd. What I found interesting was brides didn't wear white back then . -
Apr 23, 1564
The Bard is born-technically!
First thing you should know about Shakespeare is that he is a famous performer and play writer. There is a lot of controversy of his actual birth date but it is said he was born in April 1564 in a town called Stratford-upon-Avon which is 100 miles northwest of London. There is a proof that he was baptized at the Holy Trinity Church in 1654. -
Apr 26, 1564
Baptism
Two days after his William's birthday he was baptised at the Holy Trinity Church. -
Jan 9, 1571
Growing Up Will
No specific records are shown in the attendance of William Shakespeare at school. But we do know that his parents were both illiterate. Thanks to John Shakespeare that lived in the community at that time provided free education to the children. And it is also said he left school when he was fourteen which is in 1578. -
Jan 1, 1578
The Lost Years
The Lost Years are known as a dark unclear period of time. There were no documentations between the time he left school which was in 1578 to 1852 when he married Anne Hatheway. The event of his father, John, became behind in taxes and William had to leave school and help his family probably lead to the lost years. -
Jan 1, 1582
He's Still Lost
This period of time lasted from 1582 to 1592. From these ten years, we know Shakespeare got married to Anne Hathaway and had his first child was Susanna, she was baptised on May 26th 1583. And Shakespeares twins' Hamnet and Judith were baptised on February 1585. -
Jan 20, 1582
Will Meets A Cougar?
William got married to his wife when he was 18. They had 3 children. their names were Hamnet, Sussana, and Judith. -
The Bard Writes A Play
Shakespeare wrote his very first play, Henry VI, Part One in this year. -
Will Dresses as a Woman
It is said that Shakespeare started his acting career by 1592. It is likely he played the title role in Edward I, a play by Edward Peele in 1593. Shakespeare wrote his own plays and probably played a role in one of his many plays for example: As you like it (Adam), Macbeth (King Duncan), Henry IV (King Henry), and Hamlet (Hamlet's father). -
Life in London
We do not know why Shakespeare left to London. But we do know that he had a friend there by the name of Richard Field. There were also business acquaintances of his father that lived there, John Shakespeare. Between 1593 and 1613, he moved to other cities. But on 1613, he was rich enough to buy his own place. -
Puritan Ban
The concept of theatres were a new thing for entertainment and it was a booming business. The theatres could hold up to 3000 people. In 1596 there seemed to be some complaints from people so the city of London could not ignore them much longer and banned plays. -
Last Will
Shakespeare wrote his last will just 4 weeks before he died.He wrote a will stating his properties be sent to his daughter Susanna. And for his surviving daughter, Judith he left £300. Last but not least, he left his wife his second best bed. -
Death of a Poet
William dies on April 23rd, his burial being recorded in the Stratford Holy Church Register two days later.
