Birth of William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare was born on April 23, 1564, in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, to John Shakespeare and Mary Arden.
1564
1582
Marriage to Anne Hathaway
William Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway on November 28, 1582. Anne was eight years his senior, and the couple had three children together: Susanna, and twins Hamnet and Judith.
1585-1592
The Lost Years
Little is known about William Shakespeare's activities during this period, often referred to as the "Lost Years." It is speculated that he may have been involved in various occupations, including acting and teaching.
1592
First Mention as a Playwright
William Shakespeare was first mentioned as a playwright in a pamphlet by Robert Greene, who criticized him in "Greene's Groats-Worth of Wit." This indicates that Shakespeare had already begun making a name for himself in the London theatre scene.
1593
Publication of "Venus and Adonis"
William Shakespeare published his first narrative poem, "Venus and Adonis," which was dedicated to the Earl of Southampton. The poem was a significant success and helped establish Shakespeare's reputation as a poet.
1594
Formation of the Lord Chamberlain's Men
William Shakespeare became a founding member of the Lord Chamberlain's Men, a prominent acting company in London. He wrote many of his plays for this company, which later became the King's Men under King James I.
1596
Death of Hamnet Shakespeare
William Shakespeare's only son, Hamnet, died at the age of 11. The death of Hamnet deeply affected Shakespeare and is believed to have influenced his writing.
1599
Opening of the Globe Theatre
The Globe Theatre, associated with William Shakespeare, opened in 1599. Many of Shakespeare's plays were performed here, including "Julius Caesar," "Hamlet," and "Othello."
1603
The King's Men
Following the ascension of King James I, William Shakespeare's acting company, the Lord Chamberlain's Men, was renamed the King's Men. The company enjoyed royal patronage and performed regularly at court.
1609
Publication of Shakespeare's Sonnets
William Shakespeare's collection of 154 sonnets was published in 1609. These sonnets explore themes of love, beauty, politics, and mortality.
1613
Fire at the Globe Theatre
The Globe Theatre, where many of William Shakespeare's plays were performed, burned down during a performance of "Henry VIII" in 1613. It was later rebuilt in 1614.
1616
Death of William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare died on April 23, 1616, in Stratford-upon-Avon. He was buried in the Holy Trinity Church in Stratford.
1623
Publication of the First Folio
The First Folio of William Shakespeare's plays was published in 1623 by his friends and fellow actors, John Heminges and Henry Condell. This collection included 36 of Shakespeare's plays, ensuring his works would be preserved for future generations.
1769
Shakespeare Jubilee
The first Shakespeare Jubilee, organized by actor David Garrick, was held in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1769. This event marked the beginning of widespread celebration and recognition of William Shakespeare's contributions to literature and theatre.
1899
First Filmed Adaptation of a Shakespeare Play
The first known filmed adaptation of a William Shakespeare play, "King John," was produced in 1899. This marked the beginning of Shakespeare's influence on the film industry.
2023
William Shakespeare's Legacy
As of 2023, William Shakespeare's works continue to be celebrated and studied worldwide. His plays are performed in numerous languages, and his influence on literature, theatre, and the arts remains unparalleled.
