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William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon,
in England in 1564. While his exact birth date is unknown, it
is celebrated on April 23, the feast of St. George. Shakespeare's
father was a tanner and glove maker. He was also a fairly prominent
political figure, being an alderman of Stratford for several
years, and serving a term as "high bailiff" (mayor).
Shakespeare attended a well-respected grammar school
in Stratford-upon-Avon. His instructors were all Oxford
graduates, and his studies were primarily conducted in Latin.
In 1582 at 18 years of age, Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway.
By 1592, he was an established playwright in London.
Shakespeare did most of his acting and writing
in two theatres owned by James Burbage - the Theatre
and the Curtain. In 1598, Burbage built the Globe Theatre,
in which Shakespeare was also a shareholder. Around this
time, Shakespeare applied for and received a coat of arms,
with the motto: "Non sanz droict (not without right)".
This gave him the standing of a gentleman, something not generally
associated with actors, whom were considered to be in
the same class as vagrants and criminals.
In 1603, Shakespeare's theatrical company received
the patronage of King James I, and became known as the
King's Men. In 1608, the company acquired the Blackfriars
Theatre. Shakespeare soon joined the group of famous
writers who gathered at Mermaid Tavern (whom included
Sir Walter Raleigh (the founder), and Ben Jonson),
located on Bread Street in Cheapside.
Shakespeare retired from theatre in 1610 and returned
to Stratford. Shakespeare died on April 23, 1616 and was
buried in the chancel of the Church of the Holy Trinity in Stratford. |
