The Life of William Shakespeare
Shakespeare's parents were John and Mary, who raised their son on Henley Street in Stratford. John Shakespeare was a well-respected citizen in the community. He served on the town council and in 1568 became the Mayor of Stratford. William Shakespeare had two older siblings who died before he was born, and five younger ones.
Because of his father's high status in the community, William attended one of Stratford's junior schools before attending grammar school at age 7. At grammar school, Shakespeare learned mostly Latin, studying the works of classical writers. These works would eventually influence his writing. It is assumed Shakespeare left school at the normal age of 14, but no one is sure.
In November of 1582, when Shakespeare was 18, he married Anne Hathaway, who was 26 at the time. They had 3 children, the eldest name Susanna, followed by twins named Hamnet and Judith.
Little is known about the life of William Shakespeare from 1585 and 1592. Although it is assumed he arrived in London sometime around 1586 and 1587, it is unclear exactly when Shakespeare left Sratford and arrived in London. There are many tales depicting what may have happened during this period of time, known as "The Lost Years." One tale says he was caught poaching deer and went on the run to avoid prosecution. A more plausible story says he may have been a schoolmaster for some time. We may never know what happened to William Shakespeare during those years.
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