Shakespeare and the 1500s

William Shakespeare One of the great mysteries of English drama is that so little is known for sure about the most famous playwright of all time. One of the great mysteries of English drama is that so little is known for sure about the most famous playwright of all time. Shakespeare’s exact birth date is unknown, but he was baptized on April 26, Shakespeare’s exact birth date is unknown, but he was baptized on April 26, His parents, John and Mary, were considered well-off. John was a prosperous merchant and Mary was the daughter of a successful farmer. His parents, John and Mary, were considered well-off. John was a prosperous merchant and Mary was the daughter of a successful farmer.

William Shakespeare He studied Latin and literature at a prestigious school. He studied Latin and literature at a prestigious school. In 1582, he married Anne Hathaway, a woman eight years his senior! In 1582, he married Anne Hathaway, a woman eight years his senior! They had three children: a daughter, Susanna, and twins Hamnet and Judeth. They had three children: a daughter, Susanna, and twins Hamnet and Judeth.

William Shakespeare Shakespeare left his family and moved to London to pursue his acting and writing career. Shakespeare left his family and moved to London to pursue his acting and writing career. In 1599 he joined other actors and built the Globe Theatre, where most of his plays were produced. In 1599 he joined other actors and built the Globe Theatre, where most of his plays were produced.

William Shakespeare In 1611, at the height of his fame and popularity, Shakespeare moved back to Startford with his family. In 1611, at the height of his fame and popularity, Shakespeare moved back to Startford with his family. He continued to write and travel until his death in He continued to write and travel until his death in 1616.

Fun Facts About Bill Shakespeare is known as “The Bard,” because the word “bard” means “poet.” Shakespeare is known as “The Bard,” because the word “bard” means “poet.” Shakespeare lived through the Black Death, a plague that killed over 33,000 people in London alone. Shakespeare lived through the Black Death, a plague that killed over 33,000 people in London alone. Shakespeare’s family were all illiterate. Shakespeare’s family were all illiterate. Many historians suspect that Shakespeare did not write all of his plays. Many historians suspect that Shakespeare did not write all of his plays. We really do not know what Shakespeare looked like—not one painting was composed while he was still alive. We really do not know what Shakespeare looked like—not one painting was composed while he was still alive.

More Fun Facts The only mention that Shakespeare specifically makes of his wife in his will was to leave her his “second best bed.” The only mention that Shakespeare specifically makes of his wife in his will was to leave her his “second best bed.” Shakespeare’s grandchildren all died—he had no descendents! Shakespeare’s grandchildren all died—he had no descendents! Shakespeare is responsible for over 1700 words that we use each day. Shakespeare is responsible for over 1700 words that we use each day.

Life in the 1500s The age of Shakespeare was a great time in English history. The reign of Queen Elizabeth I saw England emerge as a leading power of the western world. The age of Shakespeare was a great time in English history. The reign of Queen Elizabeth I saw England emerge as a leading power of the western world.

Life in the 1500s London was a center of commerce and culture—the place to be! London was a center of commerce and culture—the place to be! The population grew and the economy boomed. The population grew and the economy boomed.

Daily Life Baths were taken only a few times a year—men had the privilege of using the water first, then women, and finally children. Baths were taken only a few times a year—men had the privilege of using the water first, then women, and finally children. Houses had thatched roofs—thick straw with no wood underneath. Animals used it as a warm spot—hence, “it’s raining cats and dogs.” Houses had thatched roofs—thick straw with no wood underneath. Animals used it as a warm spot—hence, “it’s raining cats and dogs.”

Daily Life Typical homes had dirt floors and little luxuries. Typical homes had dirt floors and little luxuries. Meat was considered a delicacy and was not eaten very often. Common foods included vegetables, porridge, and bread. Meat was considered a delicacy and was not eaten very often. Common foods included vegetables, porridge, and bread.

Marriage and Dating Boys could marry at age 14, girls at 12. (Romeo is 14, Juliet is 13). Boys could marry at age 14, girls at 12. (Romeo is 14, Juliet is 13). It was considered foolish to marry for love, as arranged marriages were the custom. It was considered foolish to marry for love, as arranged marriages were the custom. Children were considered the property of their parents! Children were considered the property of their parents!

Religion Almost everyone in Elizabethan England was a Christian. Almost everyone in Elizabethan England was a Christian. Official state religion = Church of England. Official state religion = Church of England. Everyone was required to go to church. Everyone was required to go to church.

Education & Entertainment Only boys went to school… from 7 AM to 5 PM, 5 days a week. Only boys went to school… from 7 AM to 5 PM, 5 days a week. Things to do for fun: gossip, tennis, attend the theatre, singing, dancing, embroidery, taking lessons… Things to do for fun: gossip, tennis, attend the theatre, singing, dancing, embroidery, taking lessons…