William Shakespeare

Overview

William Shakespeare, one of the most celebrated playwrights and poets in the English language, lived a life marked by significant literary achievements and personal milestones. Born in Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare's career spanned over three decades, during which he wrote numerous plays and poems that continue to influence literature and theater to this day. This timeline highlights key events and periods in Shakespeare's life, from his birth to his death and beyond, including the enduring legacy of his works.

Main Milestones

Birth of William Shakespeare

April 23, 1564 (assumed)

William Shakespeare is believed to have been born on April 23, 1564, in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England. The exact date of his birth is not known, but it is traditionally celebrated on April 23, based on the baptismal record of April 26, 1564, at Holy Trinity Church.

Start of Education

1571

Shakespeare likely began his education at the King’s New School in Stratford-upon-Avon, a local grammar school, at the age of seven, following the standard educational practices of the time.

Marriage to Anne Hathaway

1582

Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway on November 27, 1582, at Temple Grafton, a village near Stratford. The couple had three children: Susanna, Hamnet, and Judith.

Establishment of Career

c. 1589-1592

Shakespeare established his career in London, writing plays such as "The Comedy of Errors", "Henry IV Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3", "Richard III", "The Taming of the Shrew", and "Titus Andronicus". This period marked the beginning of his success as a playwright.

Publication of Poems

1593

Shakespeare published two long poems, "Venus and Adonis" and "The Rape of Lucrece", which were very successful. "Venus and Adonis" went through nine editions in Shakespeare’s lifetime, and "The Rape of Lucrece" went through five.

Founding Member of the Lord Chamberlain’s Men

1594

Shakespeare became a founding member of the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, an acting company that later became known as the King’s Men. This marked a significant milestone in his theatrical career.

Death of Hamnet and Purchase of New Place

1596-1597

Shakespeare’s only son, Hamnet, died at the age of 11. During this period, Shakespeare also purchased New Place, a large house in Stratford, indicating his growing financial success.

The King’s Men at The Blackfriars Theatre

1608

The King’s Men began performing at The Blackfriars Theatre, marking a new phase in Shakespeare’s career. This period saw the production of plays such as "All’s Well That Ends Well", "Antony and Cleopatra", and "Hamlet".

Publication of Sonnets

1609

Shakespeare’s sonnets were published together in a quarto edition, although they were likely written earlier. This publication cemented his reputation as a poet.

Retirement and Final Works

1612-1616

Shakespeare retired from the theatre and returned to live in Stratford. During this period, he collaborated with John Fletcher on new plays, including "Cardenio", "Henry VIII", and "The Two Noble Kinsmen".

Death of William Shakespeare

April 23, 1616

Shakespeare died on April 23, 1616, on what is believed to be his 52nd birthday. He was buried in Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-upon-Avon.

Reconstruction of Shakespeare’s Globe

1993

The reconstruction of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre was completed in London, initiated by American actor Sam Wanamaker. This project aimed to recreate the original Globe Theatre where many of Shakespeare’s plays were performed.

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