William Shakespeare 1564 - 1616

Life and Times What we know about Shakespeare comes from church documents and legal records. Some documents that we have are baptismal registration, marriage license, and records of real estate transactions.

Family Shakespeare was the third of eight children and the eldest son. He was born on April 23, 1564 in the market town of Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire, England. Shakespeare’s father was a prosperous glove maker and leather merchant who became Mayor of Stratford.

Hall’s Croft Son of John & Mary Arden Similar to the home young Shakespeare may have grown up in.

William Shakespeare Attended Grammar School Studied Latin, history, logic and rhetoric November1582, Married Anne Hathaway He was 18; she was 26 May 1583, daughter Susanna born Twins, Hamnet and Judith, born in 1585

Shakespeare’s Life Probably left Stratford in 1586 - 87 for London. By 1592, Shakespeare made a name for himself as a London actor and playwright. From 1594, he was a charter member of, and wrote exclusively for, the Lord Chamberlain’s Men which rapidly became the leading dramatic company. In 1603, this company enjoyed the patronage of King James I as The King’s Men.

Shakespeare’s Success His plays were extremely popular. He became a shareholder in his theatre company. Between the late 1580’s and 1613, Shakespeare wrote thirty-seven plays and contributed to some by other dramatists. He was able to buy lands around Stratford and a large house in the town to which he retired in 1611.

Death Shakespeare died on his 52nd birthday on April 23, 1616. He was buried in Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon on April 25, 1616. The following is carved on his tombstone: “Good friend, for Jesus sake forbear To dig the dust enclosed here. Blessed be the man that spares these stones And cursed be he that moves my bones.”

London in 1600’s Conditions in London were not pleasant. Homes of the poor were small and dirty. Sewage ran in open ditches in the streets. Overcrowding and unemployment were major problems.

London Bridge Heads of traitors were displayed on pikes on the city’s main bridge.

Shakespeare’s Theater In 1576, James Burbage built the first permanent theater just outside of London. Acting companies played where they could find a spot, usually in the courtyards of inns. Shakespeare’s company built The Globe Theater in 1599. It was burned down in 1613 when a cannon fired during a performance of Henry VIII.

Theater continued In his play, Henry V, Shakespeare calls his theater “The Wooden O.” People who stood around the stage for the price of a penny were called Groundlings.

The New Globe Built in 1996 by American Sam Wanamaker on the banks of the Thames River in London

The Original Globe Located on the south bank of the Thames The most famous London Playhouse Owned by the Burbage family Flew a flag to announce a performance

The wealthy’s view of the stage

“The Heavens” as seen by the groundlings

Objections to Theaters Large assemblies of people Spread diseases Theaters were often located outside the city walls to avoid censor by London’s Lord Mayor.

Acting Acting was not considered a respectable profession by the English Puritans. All women’s parts were played by boys. Women did not enter the theater until much later.