Keyword: William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare was a famous actor, poet, and playwright in Elizabethan England.

There is only a limited amount of information about him. Most of what is known was gathered from old records from that time that survived. He was born in 1564 in Stratford-Upon-Avon. Records show his baptism took place at the Holy Trinity Church on April 26, 1564. Most people believe that his birthday is a few days earlier on April 23.

As a boy Shakespeare probably attended Grammar School in Stratford. At the age of 18 Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway and had 3 children. Some time after that William Shakespeare made his way to London.

The details of his life after his marriage are vague since there is very little mention of him in records until 1592. Therefore, the years of his life from the 1580s to 1592 are called the “lost years” by historians. By 1592, his name started appearing again in records, since Shakespeare had made a reputation for himself in London as an actor and playwright.

He worked with a few acting companies but the most important troupe was the Lord Chamberlain's Men, based at the Globe Theatre. The acting troupe and the playwright gained popularity. Shakespeare, as part owner of the theatre, benefited from the success of the playing company. By the early 1600s, Shakespeare had enough money to own two houses – one in London and one in Stratford.

Shakespeare retired to Stratford and died in 1616. According to records, he died on April 23.

Shakespeare has been called one of the greatest writers of our time. 38 plays, 154 sonnets, and several longer poems are credited to him. His work is still performed all over the world.

Some people believe that Shakespeare did not write the plays attributed to him, or think that he may have been one of many who wrote them together. Whatever your opinion, there is no doubt that the plays with his name on them are some of the most beautiful examples of English writing.

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