William Shakespeare's Milestones

William Shakespeare was an English playwright and poet, author of Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet, regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and a towering figure in world literature.
1564

Birth

Born in Stratford-upon-Avon to John Shakespeare, a glover and alderman, and Mary Arden, daughter of a landowning family. Baptised 26 April 1564.

Family April 23, 1564
1571

Likely attended King's New School

Probably attended King's New School in Stratford, receiving intensive education in Latin and classical authors.

Education September 1, 1571 - July 1, 1578
1582

Married Anne Hathaway

Married Anne Hathaway; marriage license issued 27 November 1582. Anne gave birth to daughter Susanna in 1583, twins Hamnet and Judith in 1585.

Relationship November 28, 1582
1583

Birth of children

Daughter Susanna baptised 26 May 1583; twins Hamnet and Judith baptised 2 February 1585. Hamnet died aged 11 in 1596.

Family May 26, 1583 - February 2, 1585
1585

'Lost years' in Stratford and London

Little is known about Shakespeare's activities; possibly worked as a schoolmaster or fled Stratford for London.

Other January 1, 1585 - January 1, 1592
1592

First plays performed in London

By 1592, several of his plays were performed in London; attacked in print by playwright Robert Greene as an 'upstart crow.'

Achievement January 1, 1592
1594

Joined Lord Chamberlain's Men

Joined and became a shareholder in Lord Chamberlain's Men, leading acting company in London.

Career January 1, 1594
1597

Purchased New Place in Stratford

Bought New Place, the second-largest house in Stratford, indicating growing wealth.

Other May 4, 1597
1599

Helped build Globe Theatre

Helped finance and build the Globe Theatre on the south bank of the Thames, where many of his plays were performed.

Achievement January 1, 1599
1603

Became King's Men

Company received royal patent from King James I and became the King's Men.

Career May 19, 1603
1605

Invested in Stratford tithes

Purchased a share in the Stratford tithes, further increasing his wealth.

Other January 1, 1605
1608

Took over Blackfriars Theatre

Company acquired Blackfriars indoor theatre, expanding performance venues.

Achievement January 1, 1608

Later plays and collaborations

Wrote fewer plays, often in collaboration, including with John Fletcher. Retired after Globe Theatre fire in 1613.

Achievement January 1, 1608 - June 29, 1613
1613

Retired to Stratford

Retired from London to Stratford-upon-Avon, managed property and family affairs.

Other July 1, 1613
1616

Death

Died in Stratford-upon-Avon at age 52. Buried at Holy Trinity Church. Left bulk of estate to daughter Susanna.

Other April 23, 1616
1623

Published First Folio

First Folio of collected plays published posthumously by fellow actors John Heminges and Henry Condell, preserving his works for posterity.

Achievement November 8, 1623