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For all his fame and celebration, William Shakespeare remains a mysterious figure with regards to personal history.
We can only find out about him
in his works
various legal and church documents
William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, allegedly on April 23, 1564.
William was born of John Shakespeare, a glover and leather merchant, and Mary Arden
John Shakespeare had success as a merchant, during William's early childhood, his fortunes declined, however, in the 1570s.
attended the free grammar school in Stratford,
knowledge of Latin and Classical Greek
William Shakespeare never proceeded to university schooling
marriage to Anne Hathaway on November 28, 1582.
daughter, Susanna, was born
The couple later had twins, Hamnet and Judith
Hamnet died in childhood at the age of 11,
It is estimated that Shakespeare arrived in London around 1588 and began to establish himself as an actor and playwright.
Everyone envied his talent,
he was not only acting and writing for the Lord Chamberlain's Men
Shakespeare made a performing arts company most successful in London
never before had a playwright enjoyed sufficient acclaim to see his works published and sold as popular literature in his career
While Shakespeare could not be accounted wealthy, by London standards, his success allowed him to purchase New House and retire in comfort to Stratford in 1611.
William Shakespeare allegedly died on his birthday, April 23, 1616. This is probably more of a romantic myth than reality, but
His poetry and plays appeal to the human condition, touching on such feelings like love, jealousy, anger, gallantry, and much more, which still apply over 400 years after they were first written.
His works are taught in many English educational institutions around the world.
Even in death, he leaves a final piece of verse as his epitaph:
Good friend, for Jesus' sake forbeare
To dig the dust enclosed here.
Blessed be the man that spares these stones,
And cursed be he that moves my bones.
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