-
Apr 23, 1564
William Shakespeare Is Born
William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon. His parents are John and Mary Arden Shakespeare. He is the fourth of eight children to John and Mary. -
Apr 26, 1564
Baptism
He is baptized at Holy Trinity Church in Stratford -
Marriage
His marriage license, given to them by The Bishop of Worcester, written as "William Shagspere" (William Shakespeare)and "Ann Hathwey"(Anne Hathaway.) Anne was 26, and William, 18. -
Henry VI, Part One
Shakespeare writes his first play, part one of Henry VI. -
Plague
The bubonic plague has spread, and also closed London theaters. Shakespeare uses his time wisely, by writing poetry, instead of performing his plays. -
Theaters Back In Business
In spring of 1594, the theaters open, and the next five years, Shakespeare's "Chamberlain's Men" become a very famous acting group. They were invited to perform for Queen Elizabeth I -
Francis Meres
The writer/publisher Francis Meres produces a marvelous review of "Romeo and Juliet", "A Midsummer Night's Dream", "The Merchant of Venice"," Love's Labors Lost", "Richard II", and "Titus Andronicus." -
Sonnets Shown to the World
Thomas Thorpe publishes and prints 154 of Shakespeare's sonnets. -
Final Plays
William composes "Henry VIII" and "Two Noble Kinsmen". Although there apparently is a lost play called "Cardenio" During the performance of "Henry VIII," the theater is was being performed in, the Globe, caught on fire and burned to the ground -
Last Will
Shakespeare, while living his last amount of days, calls his lawyer to change some things. Two of these are leaving his second-best bed to his wife, and giving ten pounds to the poor. -
The Death of Shakespeare
William Shakespeare, on his 52nd birthday, dies of an unknown illness. His grave, which is at the same church he was baptized in, says that a curse will go upon anyone who disturbs his grave.