William Shakespeare

By Bryson Baker
  • Apr 26, 1564

    Born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England (baptized April 26).

    The individual born and baptized in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, on April 26, 1564, was the renowned playwright and poet William Shakespeare.
  • Married Anne Hathaway at age 18.
    Feb 7, 1582

    Married Anne Hathaway at age 18.

    It is highly probable that the couple were rushed into marriage because Anne was pregnant. This speculation appears to be confirmed by a baptismal record for their first child, Susanna, who was born just six months after their wedding.
  • First child, Susanna, is born.

    First child, Susanna, is born.

    Susanna, the first child of William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway, was born on May 26, 1583, and baptized in Stratford-upon-Avon.
  • Twins, Hamnet and Judith, are born.

    Twins, Hamnet and Judith, are born.

    Hamnet and Judith, the twin children of William and Anne Shakespeare, were born in 1585 and baptized on February 2, 1585, at Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon.

  • he Globe Theatre is built; many of his plays are performed there.

    The Globe Theatre was built in 1599 by Shakespeare's acting company, the Lord Chamberlain's Men, and served as the venue for many of his plays, including Hamlet, King Lear, and Macbeth.

  • The Globe Theatre burns down during a performance of Henry VIII.

    Yes, the original Globe Theatre burned down on June 29, 1613, during a performance of William Shakespeare's play Henry VIII. A special-effects cannon used during the show misfired, igniting the theatre's thatched roof. The fire spread quickly, and the theatre was destroyed within about an hour, though remarkably, no one was killed.
  • Dies on April 23 in Stratford-upon-Avon.

    Dies on April 23 in Stratford-upon-Avon.

    William Shakespeare, the renowned playwright, died in his hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon on April 23, 1616. The date of his death is also widely believed to be his 52nd birthday, as he was baptized on April 26, 1564, making it likely he was born on the same day as his passing.