William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-Upon-Avon on April 23rd

1564. Records from the Holy Trinity Church show that he was baptised

on 26th April 1564.

William Shakespeare was the son of John Shakespeare, a leather

merchant, and Mary Arden, daughter of a local farmer. Church records

prove that Shakespeare was one of eight children to the Shakespeare

household, sadly however, three died during childhood. Shakespeare is

said to have gone to a free grammar school in his home town, but there

is no proof. The excellence and talent of his works show that he had a

solid education.

Next in Shakespeare's life was his marriage to Anne Hathaway.

Shakespeare was 18, but Anne was 26, and she was pregnant. The couple

were married on November 26th 1582. Their first child Susannah was

born on May 26th 1583. Finally came along the twins, Hamnet and Judith

on February 2nd 1585. Sadly, Hamnet died during her childhood at the

age of 11.

For seven years, Shakespeare disappears from all records, and this has

now been called ' The lost years. ' In 1592, William turned up in

London. By 1594 Shakespeare was acting and writing plays. William's

success meant that he could buy a new house, and he retired in

Stratford in the year 1611.

William Shakespeare also wrote his will in 1611, ( a copy of the will

is in the project. ) and it is alleged that he died on his Birthday,

April 23rd 1616, 53 years of age.