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William Shakespeare is born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, to John Shakespeare and Mary Arden.
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Shakespeare writes A Midsummer Night's Dream and Romeo and Juliet.
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The Globe Theatre opens, and Shakespeare’s company becomes its main tenant.
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Hamlet is performed, one of Shakespeare's most famous tragedies.
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Shakespeare publishes his Sonnets, a collection of 154 poems that explore themes of love, time, beauty, and mortality.
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Shakespeare writes his final plays, possibly including Henry VIII and The Two Noble Kinsmen. He largely retires from active involvement in the London theatre scene.
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Shakespeare dies in Stratford-upon-Avon, the same date as his birthday, at the age of 52. He is buried in Holy Trinity Church.