William Shakespeare: Biography and Facts

Jul 01. 2022

Who was William Shakespeare?

William Shakespeare was a poet, a famous playwright, and even an actor from England in the 16th century. He’s likely one of the most famous playwrights of all time, as many, many people around the world are still quite familiar with his name. Many historians and litterateurs even regard him as the best English writer of all time and one of the best dramatists, too. Some refer to him as “England’s national poet” with another popular nickname being the “Bard of Avon.” He is often called England’s national poet and the “Bard of Avon”. His famous work includes almost 200 pieces of writing, including plays, poems, sonnets, and verses. There are also several works with uncertain authorship, but many believe William Shakespeare at least had a hand in creating them (they’re called the Shakespeare Apocrypha). Many of his famous plays have been recreated, reworked, and translated into most languages around the world for easy consumption.

When was William Shakespeare born?

William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England. Historians aren’t exactly sure what day he was born on, but many observe his date of birth as being April 23, 1564, which is Saint George’s Day. His father was John Shakespeare, a successful glove maker and alderman from Snitterfield. His mother was Mary Arden, the daughter of a rich landowning farmer. He was the third of eight children, having three brothers and four sisters.

Why was William Shakespeare famous?

William Shakespeare was a famous playwright in the 16th century. Many of his plays are still performed and taught in schools around the world. You’ve probably heard of MacBeth, A Midsummers Night’s Dream, and almost certainly Romeo and Juliet. These famous plays of his (and more!) have been adapted numerous times and even into movies on the big screen.

What did William Shakespeare die of?

The cause of his death isn’t known for sure, but historians believe it was of natural causes. He died on April 23rd, 1616 when he was 52 years old. Five decades later, the vicar of Stratford, John Ward, suspected William died from drinking too much and too often. When he died, William Shakespeare was buried in the chancel of Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon and left his mighty fortune to his eldest daughter, asking in his will that she pass it on to her eldest son.

Famous Works by William Shakespeare

William was a prolific author and creator. As with everything in life, his work is a clear example that practice makes perfect! In his lifetime, it’s believed he wrote about 39 plays, 154 sonnets, and many other shorter poems. This is only what we have record of, too. Who knows how many pieces he created and were lost to the wonders of history!

Below are some of his most famous plays and comedies:He wrote approximately 39 plays and 154 sonnets, as well as a variety of other poems

Famous Quotes by William Shakespeare

“To be or not to be, that is the question.”

“Be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them.”

“Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice.”

“Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.”

“What’s done can’t be undone.”

“This above all; to thine own self be true.”