| William Shakespeare 23rd April 1564 - 23rd April 1616
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William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, allegedly on April 23rd, 1564. His parents were John Shakespeare, a glover and leather merchant, and Mary Arden, a landed heiress. According to church records he was the third of eight children. His father was quite successful during William’s early years, including time as an alderman and high bailiff. However his fortunes declined through the 1570s.
There is no recorded proof of Shakespeare’s education, but it is surmised that he attended Stratford Grammar School, though it is known that he did not progress to university. Apart from his marriage to Anne Hathaway on November 28th, 1582, there is practically nothing known about his life until he turns up in London around 1592. By 1594 he was acting and writing, his troupe of players were extremely popular and were patronised by royalty. When the plague forced many theatres to close, Shakespeare and his company planned the opening of the Globe Theatre.
Evidence of his popularity and success was the fact that his works were published and sold at the height of his career. His success was sufficient to allow him to retire in comfort to Stratford in 1611. It is alleged that he died on his birthday, April 23rd, 1616, but this may just be a romantic myth. |
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