Shakespeare

William Shakespeare

An English playwright and poet, widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the English language.

Baptism date

William Shakespeare was baptized on 26 April 1564.

Anne Hathaway

William Shakespeare's wife, whom he married in 1582.

Lost Years

The period from 1585 to 1592 in Shakespeare's life for which there is little historical record.

Lord Chamberlain's Men

The acting company of which Shakespeare was a founding member, later became known as The King's Men.

Venus and Adonis

An erotic poem published by Shakespeare in 1593, dedicated to Henry Wriothesley.

The Rape of Lucrece

A narrative poem by Shakespeare published in 1594.

New Place

One of the largest properties in Stratford bought by Shakespeare in 1597.

Holy Trinity Church

The church in Stratford-upon-Avon where Shakespeare was baptized and buried.

Second-best bed

The only item William Shakespeare bequeathed to his wife, Anne Hathaway, in his will.

Epitaph

A phrase or statement written in memory of a person who has died, inscribed on Shakespeare's gravestone.

April 23, 1564

The presumed birth date of William Shakespeare, celebrated on St George's Day.

Shakespeare's Children

William and Anne Hathaway had three children: Susanna, and twins Hamnet and Judith.

Elizabeth I

The Queen of England who supported the arts, including Shakespeare's work.

The King's Men

The name of Shakespeare's acting company after receiving royal patronage from James I.

Shakespeare's Will

A legal document outlining the distribution of Shakespeare's possessions, revealing details about his familial relationships.

Plague outbreak

An event in 1593 that led to the closure of theatres in London, prompting Shakespeare to focus on writing poetry.

Shakespeare's death date

William Shakespeare is believed to have died on April 23, 1616, which is also his birthday.

Stratford-upon-Avon

The birthplace and hometown of William Shakespeare.

Hamnet Shakespeare

William Shakespeare's only son, who died at the age of 11.

Anne Hathaway's Cottage

The cottage in Shottery where Anne Hathaway lived and is now a historic site.