SHAKESPEARE'S LIFE

William Shakespeare was born in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, the eldest son of John Shakespeare, a prosperous tradesman, and his wife Mary. It is likely that he was educated at the local grammar school. He married Anne Hathaway in 1582 when he was eighteen. Their first child was born the next year, and twins followed in 1585.

Nothing more is known of his activities during his teens and early twenties (the 'lost years') but we do know that by 1592 Shakespeare was in London making a living as an actor and playwright, while his family remained in Stratford. He soon became a leading member of a theatrical company called the Chamberlain's Men (later the King's Men) based on the south bank of the River Thames. It was during this period of ever-increasing fame and fortune that he wrote most of the plays upon which his reputation is based.

He returned to his family in Stratford in about 1610, a wealthy and successful man. He died on 23 April 1616, leaving an unparalleled body of work that is still being performed and studied today, nearly four centuries later.

♦ Use the the images below as links to see a portrait of Shakespeare, and to read a speech from As You Like It about life from cradle to grave: