Shakespeare's Life in His Work

Although his literary canon is internationally renowned, very little is known about the actual life of Shakespeare, his family, and his relationship with his contemporaries. Much therefore needs to be inferred about the influence his private life had on his plays. Although the hard facts are missing, Shakespeare provides occasional hints within his plays that can be linked to his own experiences as a father, a country man, and a husband.

Key Dates & Events

• 1564: William Shakespeare was born and baptized in Stratford-upon-Avon.
• 1582: Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway and their daughter, Susanna, was born six months later.
• 1583: Anne gave birth to their twins, Judith and Hamnet.
• 1585: The beginning of Shakespeare's 'Lost Years'. He left Stratford and disappeared from all records until he appeared in London in 1592.
• 1596: Shakespeare's only son Hamnet died, plunging Shakespeare into grief.
• 1597: At the age of 33, Shakespeare bought 'New Place' in Stratford-upon-Avon for around £120. It was the largest house in the borough.
• 1599: The Globe Theatre opened on the south bank of the River Thames. Shakespeare was one of the shareholders in the new theatre.
• 1607: Shakespeare's daughter Susanna married the physician John Hall. Their daughter Elizabeth was born one year later.
• 1609: The first edition of Shakespeare's Sonnets were published.
• 1613: The Globe Theatre burnt down during a production of Henry VIII.
• 1614: The Second Globe Theatre opened.
• 1616: Shakespeare died on April 23rd, aged 52.