Born in Stratford, West Midlands, son of a glover and local official, landowners on his mother’s side, and educated at Stratford Grammar School from age 7.
1564 - 1582
1582 - 1590
Life
Marries Anne Hathaway, eight years his senior, oldest daughter Susanna born 1583, twins Hamnet and Judith 1585. Hamnet dies aged ten in 1596.
1582 - 1590
1590 - 1594
Life
Moves to London. Joins the Chamber-lain’s Men as an actor and writer. Criticised in print for the first time by Robert Greene, “Groat’s-worth of Wit”.
1590 - 1594
Works
Histories (“Henry VI”, “Richard III”) and Comedies (“Two Gentlemen of Verona”, “Taming of the Shrew”) as well as much-admired poems (“Venus and Adonis”).
1595 - 1598
Life
Praised in “Palladis Tamia” / “Wits Treasury” by Francis Meres as a writer of sonnets. Purchase of New Place Stratford with newly-earned wealth.
1595 - 1598
Works
Author of much-loved Comedies (“Mid-summer Night’s Dream”, Much Ado”) and Histories “Henry IV”, “Henry V”) as well as sonnets for private consumption.
1599 - 1604
Life
Becomes a share-holder in Globe Theatre. Helps move to location south of the Thames. Death of father, 1601.
1599 - 1604
Works
Prolific author of Comedies (“As You Like It”, Twelfth Night”) and Tragedies (“Hamlet”, “Othello”) as well as Classical dramas (“Julius Caesar”).
1605 - 1609
Life
Company renamed the King’s Men in honour of James I. Regular appearances at Court. Purchase of Blackfriars Theatre.
1605 - 1609
Works
Further Tragedies (“King Lear”, “Macbeth”) and Classical plays (“Antony and Cleopatra”, “Coriolanus”). Publication of sonnets, 1609.ar”).
1610 - 1616
Life
Company renamed the King’s Men in honour of James I. Regular appearances at Court. Purchase of Blackfriars Theatre.
1610 - 1616
Works
Late plays (“Pericles”, “Cymbeline”. “The Tempest”) and collaborations with e.g., John Webster (“Henry VIII”, “Two Noble Kinsmen”)
1616 -
Life
Anne Hathaway dies 1623.
1616 -
Works
Publication of First Folio of 38 plays overseen by Heminges and Condell (1623).
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
