See more
What is interesting about Shakespeare's date of death?
William Shakespeare died on 23 April 1616, his 52nd birthday. In truth, the exact date of Shakespeare's death is not known but assumed from a record of his burial two days later, 25 April 1616, at Holy Trinity Church. Stratford upon Avon, where his grave remains.
What are Shakespeare birth and death dates?
William Shakespeare was a renowned English poet, playwright, and actor born in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon. His birthday is most commonly celebrated on 23 April (see When was Shakespeare born), which is also believed to be the date he died in 1616.
What is unusual about Shakespeare's birthdate and date of death?
Among the last plays that Shakespeare worked on was The Two Noble Kinsmen, which he wrote with a frequent collaborator, John Fletcher, most likely in 1613. He died on April 23, 1616—the traditional date of his birthday, though his precise birthdate is unknown. We also do not know the cause of his death.
When did Shakespeare die and what caused his death?
He was born in 1564, most likely on April 23rd, and he died in 1616, quite possibly on his birthday. He was 52 years old when he died, and he left the majority of his estate to his eldest daughter, Susanna. Shakespeare's cause of death is not known and has been the subject of speculation for many years.
How many new words did Shakespeare invent?
1,700 wordsWilliam Shakespeare is credited with the invention or introduction of over 1,700 words that are still used in English today. William Shakespeare used more than 20,000 words in his plays and poems, and his works provide the first recorded use of over 1,700 words in the English language.
Who wrote Romeo and Juliet?
William ShakespeareRomeo and Juliet / PlaywrightWilliam Shakespeare was an English playwright, poet and actor. He is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's greatest dramatist. He is often called England's national poet and the "Bard of Avon". Wikipedia
What was William Shakespeare last words?
Sudden death stifled the articulate Roman's tongue, and all he had time to say was, 'Et tu, Brute!
What did Queen Elizabeth think of Shakespeare?
Shakespeare's company was often asked to go and do performances at court, so Queen Elizabeth certainly knew of his work very well and made several requests for specific plays that she liked.
What words did Shakespeare invent?
15 Words Invented by ShakespeareBandit.Critic.Dauntless.Dwindle.Elbow (as a verb)Green-Eyed (to describe jealousy)Lackluster.Lonely.More items...•
What is mysterious about Shakespeare's death?
Shakespeare's death is a mystery. It's been speculated that he died of syphilis or was even murdered. Helen explores the theory that comes from a diary written by a Stratford Vicar 50 years after Shakespeare's death.
Is there a curse on Shakespeare's grave?
The grave does not bear his name, merely this warning rhyme: “Good friend, for Jesus' sake forbear, to dig the dust enclosed here. Blessed be the man that spares these stones, And cursed be he that moves my bones.”
What are 5 interesting facts about Shakespeare?
Facts About Shakespeare's LifeShakespeare's father made gloves for a living. ... Shakespeare was born 23rd April 1564. ... Shakespeare had seven siblings. ... Shakespeare married an older, pregnant lady at 18. ... Shakespeare had three children. ... Shakespeare moved to London as a young man. ... Shakespeare was an actor, as well as a writer.More items...
When was Shakespeare born exact date?
William Shakespeare was baptised on 26 April 1564 at Holy Trinity in Stratford-Upon-Avon. Traditionally his birthday is celebrated three days earlier, on 23 April, St George's Day.
What was Shakespeare's last words?
O happy dagger! This is thy sheath; there rust, and let me die.
What are 5 interesting facts about Shakespeare?
Facts About Shakespeare's LifeShakespeare's father made gloves for a living. ... Shakespeare was born 23rd April 1564. ... Shakespeare had seven siblings. ... Shakespeare married an older, pregnant lady at 18. ... Shakespeare had three children. ... Shakespeare moved to London as a young man. ... Shakespeare was an actor, as well as a writer.More items...
Where was Shakespeare born and died?
William Shakespeare, Shakespeare also spelled Shakspere, byname Bard of Avon or Swan of Avon, (baptized April 26, 1564, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England—died April 23, 1616, Stratford-upon-Avon), English poet, dramatist, and actor often called the English national poet and considered by many to be the ...
Did Shakespeare die on his birthday?
Popular tradition holds that Shakespeare died on April 23rd, 1616, and that this was his 52nd birthday. That may well be the case, but neither his...
How old was Shakespeare when he died, and what caused his death?
Shakespeare was assumed to be 52 years old when he died. Depending on his exact dates of birth and death, he was possibly 51 and just a few days sh...
Did Shakespeare die from drinking alcohol?
Some sources suggest that Shakespeare died a day or two after a night of heavy drinking with some friends. Others have speculated that alcoholism o...
When did Shakespeare die?
William Shakespeare died on 23 April 1616, his 52nd birthday. In truth, the exact date of Shakespeare’s death is not known but assumed from a record of his burial two days later, 25 April 1616, at Holy Trinity Church. Stratford upon Avon, where his grave remains.
Where did Shakespeare’s death happen?
It is believed that Shakespeare’s death occurred in New House on 23 April 1616, where he would have been attended by his son-in-law Dr John Hall, the local physician.
What were Shakespeare’s last words?
Nobody knows for sure what Shakespeare’s last words were, as he died in the privacy of his close family and there are no known reports of his death. However, in anticipation of his death, Shakespeare wrote a few words to be inscribed on his tomb, to ensure that once buried no-one would dig him up to move his body to somewhere else. Shakespeare’s epitaph reads:
What is the first folio of Shakespeare?
Seven years after his death in 1623, a collection of 36 of Shakespeare’s plays was published called ‘Mr. William Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies’ . This work is commonly referred to by Shakespeare scholars as the First Folio. Because of the contents of the First Folio it is generally considered to be one of the most influential works of English literature ever published.
How much did Shakespeare buy a tithe deed for?
It was unusual for anyone to be buried inside the church (rather than in the surrounding graveyard), and Shakespeare managed this by buying a tithe deed for £440 which gave him the right to have a grave in the chancel of the church, to have his final resting place alongside other family members.
Was Shakespeare sick before he died?
A more convincing theory is that Shakespeare was sick for over a month before he died. The evidence comes from the fact that on 25 March 1616 (just 4 weeks before his death) Shakespeare dictated his will – in keeping with the 17 th Century tradition of drawing up wills on one’s deathbed. This suggests Shakespeare could have been aware his life was coming to an end. Some scholars also point to his signature on his will being somewhat shaky, giving evidence of his frailty at the time.
How old was William Shakespeare when he died?
What we know about when, where and how Shakespeare died. William Shakespeare died in 1616 at 52 years of age. His burial in Holy Trinity Church is recorded in Stratford-upon-Avon's parish register on 25 April 1616. A monument still stands in the church, which notes the date of Shakespeare's death as 23 April 1616.
Who died in Shakespeare's grave?
It is also the first in a row of graves that commemorate his family, including his widow Anne, who died in 1623. Shakespeare’s family line came to an end with the death of his grand-daughter Elizabeth in 1670.
When did Shakespeare die?from nosweatshakespeare.com
William Shakespeare died on 23 April 1616, his 52nd birthday. In truth, the exact date of Shakespeare’s death is not known but assumed from a record of his burial two days later, 25 April 1616, at Holy Trinity Church. Stratford upon Avon, where his grave remains.
What were Shakespeare’s last words?from nosweatshakespeare.com
Nobody knows for sure what Shakespeare’s last words were, as he died in the privacy of his close family and there are no known reports of his death. However, in anticipation of his death, Shakespeare wrote a few words to be inscribed on his tomb, to ensure that once buried no-one would dig him up to move his body to somewhere else. Shakespeare’s epitaph reads:
What is the first folio of Shakespeare?from nosweatshakespeare.com
Seven years after his death in 1623, a collection of 36 of Shakespeare’s plays was published called ‘Mr. William Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies’ . This work is commonly referred to by Shakespeare scholars as the First Folio. Because of the contents of the First Folio it is generally considered to be one of the most influential works of English literature ever published.
How much did Shakespeare buy a tithe deed for?from nosweatshakespeare.com
It was unusual for anyone to be buried inside the church (rather than in the surrounding graveyard), and Shakespeare managed this by buying a tithe deed for £440 which gave him the right to have a grave in the chancel of the church, to have his final resting place alongside other family members.
Was Shakespeare sick before he died?from nosweatshakespeare.com
A more convincing theory is that Shakespeare was sick for over a month before he died. The evidence comes from the fact that on 25 March 1616 (just 4 weeks before his death) Shakespeare dictated his will – in keeping with the 17 th Century tradition of drawing up wills on one’s deathbed. This suggests Shakespeare could have been aware his life was coming to an end. Some scholars also point to his signature on his will being somewhat shaky, giving evidence of his frailty at the time.
How old was Shakespeare when he died?
Shakespeare was assumed to be 52 years old when he died. Depending on his exact dates of birth and death, he was possibly 51 and just a few days shy of his birthday. His cause of death is unknown, but it was most likely some kind of fever or illness that killed him.
When Did William Shakespeare Die?
For instance, the answer to ''what year did Shakespeare die?'' is quite clear: he definitely died in 1616. His exact date of death is unknown, but his funeral was held on April 25th, 1616, and it is thought that he died on April 23rd. He was living in his hometown of Stratford-Upon-Avon at the time of his death, having retired from the theatre some years prior.
How many plays did Shakespeare write?
He lived from 1564 until 1616, and during his prolific career, he wrote at least 38 plays and more than 150 poems, most of which were sonnets. His most famous works include Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, and A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Where is Shakespeare buried?
William Shakespeare was interred at Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-Upon-Avon. His resting place was inside the church, which was expensive to organize and a sign of some honor due to the individual in question. His wife and his children were also buried in the same church. It is thought that Shakespeare composed his own epitaph, which reads:
Who was Shakespeare's wife?
Shakespeare was one of eight children, several of whom died in childhood. When he was eighteen years old, he married Anne Hathaway. Hathaway was twenty-six at the time and was probably pregnant at the time of the wedding. Together, Shakespeare and Hathaway had three children: a daughter named Susanna and twins named Hamnet and Judith. Susanna's only daughter did not have children, Hamnet died in childhood, and Judith's children died in childhood. As such, Shakespeare has no direct descendants today.
Has Shakespeare ever been exhumed?
This warning not to disturb Shakespeare's grave has been followed ever since his death: he has never been exhumed, even though there has been significant interest from some historians and archaeologists to find out more about what caused his death.
When was Shakespeare born?
Birth and childhood. William Shakespeare was probably born on about April 23, 1564, the date that is traditionally given for his birth. He was John and Mary Shakespeare's oldest surviving child; their first two children, both girls, did not live beyond infancy.
Where did Shakespeare live in the years ahead?
In the years ahead, Anne and the children lived in Stratford while Shakespeare worked in London, although we don't know when he moved there. Some later observers have suggested that this separation, and the couple's relatively few children, were signs of a strained marriage, but we do not know that, either.
How did Shakespeare prosper financially?
Shakespeare prospered financially from his partnership in the Lord Chamberlain's Men (later the King's Men), as well as from his writing and acting. He invested much of his wealth in real-estate purchases in Stratford and bought the second-largest house in town, New Place, in 1597.
Why is Shakespeare's memorial bust considered authentic?
The memorial bust of Shakespeare at Holy Trinity Church in Stratford is considered one of two authentic likenesses, because it was approved by people who knew him.
What company did Shakespeare play in?
For more than two decades, Shakespeare had multiple roles in the London theater as an actor, playwright, and, in time, a business partner in a major acting company, the Lord Chamberlain's Men (renamed the King's Men in 1603).
What was Shakespeare's first play?
The same writer alludes to one of Shakespeare's earliest history plays, Henry VI, Part 3, which must already have been performed. The next year, in 1593, Shakespeare published a long poem, Venus and Adonis. The first quarto editions of his early plays appeared in 1594.
How many brothers did William Shakespeare have?
Growing up as the big brother of the family, William had three younger brothers, Gilbert, Richard, and Edmund, and two younger sisters: Anne, who died at seven, and Joan. Their father, John Shakespeare, was a leatherworker who specialized in the soft white leather used for gloves and similar items.
How did Shakespeare die?
Since he revised his will just before his death, it can be assumed that he knew he was about to die. What records we have suggest Shakespeare died from a fever, but whether that fever was from drinking too much alcohol or a disease such as typhus (which was rampant in 1616) is unknown.
When was Shakespeare born?
What we do know is this: William Shakespeare was born to a glover and the daughter of a well-to-do farmer, was baptized in 1564, grew up, married, had three children, started having his work produced in London in 1592, and eventually died in 1616, leaving a legacy that survives to this day.
How many years did Shakespeare live?
Very few details can be found about William Shakespeare's birth or death (1564-1616).
Who is William Shakespeare?
Lesson Summary. William Shakespeare was a famous English poet and playwright. Well-known for his plays, including Hamlet, Shakespeare was baptized in 1564 and buried in 1616.
Who was Shakespeare's last descendant?
Shakespeare's last surviving direct descendant was Elizabeth Hall, his granddaughter via Susanna and her husband, John Hall. Elizabeth died in 1670, at the age of 62, without having any children of her own.
Is Shakespeare's death a fact?
This is not the case. The exact facts surrounding Shakespeare's death are unknown.
Did Shakespeare die from illness?
While no one knows what Shakespeare died of exactly, he was sick before his death. A month before his death, he signed a will leaving almost everything to his daughter Susanna. He specified in his will that she should leave his estate to her firstborn son. But neither Susanna nor Shakespeare's other daughter, Judith, had any sons.
Why did Shakespeare die?
The cause of Shakespeare' s death is not known, but some scholars believe that he had been sick for more than a month before he died. On March 25, 1616, Shakespeare signed his dictated will with a “shaky” signature, evidence of his frailty at the time. Also, it was customary in the early 17th century to draw up a will while on the deathbed, so Shakespeare was likely acutely aware that his life was coming to an end.
Where did Shakespeare live when he retired?
When Shakespeare retired from London around 1610, he returned to Stratford-upon-Avon, the market town in which he was born that's about 100 miles west of London on the River Avon. He spent the last few years of his life in New Place, the town's largest house, which he had purchased in 1597.
How did Shakespeare die?
Shakespeare died on 23 April 1616, at the age of 52. He died within a month of signing his will, a document which he begins by describing himself as being in "perfect health". No extant contemporary source explains how or why he died. Half a century later, John Ward, the vicar of Stratford, wrote in his notebook: "Shakespeare, Drayton, and Ben Jonson had a merry meeting and, it seems, drank too hard, for Shakespeare died of a fever there contracted", not an impossible scenario since Shakespeare knew Jonson and Drayton. Of the tributes from fellow authors, one refers to his relatively sudden death: "We wondered, Shakespeare, that thou went'st so soon / From the world's stage to the grave's tiring room."
Where was William Shakespeare born?
He was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, where he was baptised on 26 April 1564.
How did Shakespeare influence the world?
Until Romeo and Juliet, for example, romance had not been viewed as a worthy topic for tragedy. Soliloquies had been used mainly to convey information about characters or events, but Shakespeare used them to explore characters' minds. His work heavily influenced later poetry. The Romantic poets attempted to revive Shakespearean verse drama, though with little success. Critic George Steiner described all English verse dramas from Coleridge to Tennyson as "feeble variations on Shakespearean themes."
Why are some Shakespeare plays bad quartos?
Alfred Pollard termed some of the pre-1623 versions as " bad quartos " because of their adapted, paraphrased or garbled texts, which may in places have been reconstructed from memory. Where several versions of a play survive, each differs from the other. The differences may stem from copying or printing errors, from notes by actors or audience members, or from Shakespeare's own papers. In some cases, for example, Hamlet, Troilus and Cressida, and Othello, Shakespeare could have revised the texts between the quarto and folio editions. In the case of King Lear, however, while most modern editions do conflate them, the 1623 folio version is so different from the 1608 quarto that the Oxford Shakespeare prints them both, arguing that they cannot be conflated without confusion.
How many copies of Shakespeare's plays have been sold?
According to Guinness Book of World Records Shakespeare remains the world’s best-selling playwright, with sales of his plays and poetry believed to have achieved in excess of four billion copies in the almost 400 years since his death. He is also the third most translated author in history.
What was the indoor setting in Shakespeare's Cymbeline?
The indoor setting, combined with the Jacobean fashion for lavishly staged masques, allowed Shakespeare to introduce more elaborate stage devices. In Cymbeline, for example, Jupiter descends "in thunder and lightning, sitting upon an eagle: he throws a thunderbolt. The ghosts fall on their knees.".
What is the spear on Shakespeare's coat of arms?
Shakespeare's coat of arms, as it appears on the rough draft of the application to grant a coat-of-arms to John Shakespeare. It features a spear as a pun on the family name.
When did Shakespeare die?
Though the true date of his birth remains a mystery, it is assumed to have been close to 23 April, the very same day on which he died. Shakespeare was perhaps best known for his dramas, which as one might expect are full of tragic deaths.
What is Shakespeare's most famous example of death?
Shakespeare often personified death and this is one of the most famous examples of him doing so. As Richard II hears that he has no soldiers to fight Henry, he immediately collapses into woe and despair, giving the audience a true indication of what kind of a king he is.
What is William Shakespeare famous for?
William Shakespeare is probably the most famous English writer in history, responsible for penning many of the most well-known poems, sonnets and plays in the English language. His writing continues to be appreciated some 400 years after his death. Though the true date of his birth remains a mystery, it is assumed to have been close to 23 April, the very same day on which he died. Shakespeare was perhaps best known for his dramas, which as one might expect are full of tragic deaths. By way of a celebration of his life and works, we’ve compiled a list of ten of his best quotes on death.
Who said "The King's death has corrupted both of her boys"?
This quote is spoken by the Duchess of York and relates to her two sons. Learning of the King’s death, the Duchess grieves the loss and laments the way death has corrupted both of her boys.
What does the quote "Cowards die many times" mean?
As part of one of the most famous quotes in Julius Caesar, ‘cowards die many times’ makes a comparison between the many small, personal ‘deaths’ a coward faces every time they shy away from a challenge and the one pure and true physical death that the valiant experience in the heat of battle.
