The Life of the William Shakespeare

1564 - Shakespeare is born in Stratford-upon-Avon. He is one of eight children born to John Shakespeare, a glove merchant of some standing in his community.

1582 - Marries Anne Hathaway, eight years his senior, who was already pregnant with their first child.

1583 - Shakespeare's first child, Susanna, is born.

1585 - Twins Hamnet (who would die at the age of 11) and Judith are born.

1592 - By this time Shakespeare has gone to London where he works as an actor and has become a playwright of some note. He becomes a principal shareholder and playwright of the successful acting troupe, the Lord Chamberlain's men.

1599 - The Lord Chamberlain's men build and occupy the Globe Theater in Southwark near the Thames River. It is here that most of Shakespeare's more famous plays are performed.

1609 - Shakespeare's 154 sonnets are published, probably without his authorization.

1611-1612 - Gives up his lodgings in London and devotes more of his time to his retirement in Stratford.

1616 - Shakespeare dies. He is buried in Holy Trinity Church, Stratford.