Shakespeare, the Man

Although volumes have been written about his plays, there is relatively little factual information available about Shakespeare's life. 

Shakespeare was baptized on April 26, 1564. Since children were typically baptized a few days after birth, April 23 is regarded as Shakespeare's birthday.

Shakespeare's father, John Shakespeare, was a successful local politician, rising to the position of High Bailiff, equivalent to a Mayor. He eventually fell into debt and lost his position in local government.

William was the 3rd of eight children by John and Mary Shakespeare, and the first son.  He grew up in Stratford.

Shakespeare's Birthplace
Stratford-on-Avon

In 1582, Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway.  They had 3 children--Susanna and twins Hamnet and Judith.

Shakespeare eventually moved to London. He was an actor, a playwright, and a stockholder in the principal theatrical company of his day. He died on April 23, 1616.

For a playwright, he was unusually successful. Shakespeare could probably be characterized as a moderately successful middle-class businessman.

Only 18 of Shakespeare's plays were published during his lifetime, and he had little to do with their publication. These were published in small volumes called "quartos." Some of the quartos were "bad" versions with many inconsistencies. Seven years after Shakespeare's death, in 1623, two actors who had performed with Shakespeare published 36 of his plays in a large volume called the First Folio. This was the first publication to divide the plays into separate acts.

For more detailed information on Shakespeare's life, visit A Shakespeare Timeline.