The Life of William Shakespeare Rachel Hunkler I.E.S. Angel Corella – 3ESO Bilingual

Shakespeare was born on April 23, 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon. His parents were John Shakespeare & Mary Arden. His father was a glove-maker. William was one of eight children, although 3 of them died very young.

Shakespeare only attended school for 7 years Shakespeare only attended school for 7 years. At age 14, he left to help with his father’s business. Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway when he was 18 years old. They had three children: Susannah, Judith, and Hamnet. Hamnet died of the Black Plague when he was a baby.

In 1592, Shakespeare left his home, wife, and kids in Stratford-upon-Avon to work as an actor in London. His acting troupe was called “The Chamberlain’s Men.” Shakespeare both wrote and acted in his own plays. His first play, Henry VI, was produced in 1593.

Shakespeare wrote during the Elizabethan Era in England. Being a playwright was dangerous then – plays were censored by the government. Any playwright who wrote a play that was considered too scandalous or heretical could be arrested and tortured! Plus they didn’t make much money. Shakespeare never claimed authorship of any of his plays during his lifetime. They were all officially published after his death.

Shakespeare died on his birthday, April 23, in 1616 of unknown causes Shakespeare died on his birthday, April 23, in 1616 of unknown causes. Miguel de Cervantes died on the exact same day! He was buried in the Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon. He wrote approximately 37 plays and 154 sonnets. He is known as “The Bard” and considered the greatest English author of all time.