William Shakespeare Biography

William Shakespeare is arguably the most famous playwright in the English language. He is considered England’s national poet and is often called the “Bard of Avon,” or simply “the Bard.” Shakespeare was born and raised in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, which is where his parents John and Mary lived. He was baptized on April 26, 1564. Little is known about his childhood, though it is believed that he attended the local grammar school, King’s New School.

At the age of 18, Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway, who was nearly 10 years older than him. The couple had three children—Susanna, Hamnet, and Judith. Sometime between 1585 and 1592, he began a successful career in London as an actor, writer, and part-owner of Lord Chamberlain’s Men, a playing company, which was later renamed the King’s Men. His plays were accessible to a broader and varied audience across classes, and did not strictly cater to the upper classes. In 1594, Shakespeare acted before Queen Elizabeth, and in 1594–1595, his name appeared as one of the shareholders of the Lord Chamberlain’s Company.

On March 25, 1616, William Shakespeare revised his last will and testament, and he died on April 23 of the same year at the age of 52. His body lies within the chancel and before the altar of the Stratford church. As not much had been documented during his lifetime, there are several speculations about his personal life—his appearance, religious beliefs, and sexuality. His body of work includes plays and poetry, especially sonnets. His plays have been widely translated and are performed more often than any other playwright. His early plays are regarded as some of the finest works ever produced, which are predominantly comedies and histories. His later works mainly include tragedies, all of which are considered the finest examples of the genre.