A Life Well Lived...

Not a lot is known about William Shakespeare. He was a fairly private man who told most of his life story through his works. There are a handful of legal documents still in existence that tell us various little details about the life of this influential writer.

              William Shakespeare was born of John Shakespeare and Mary Arden in Stratford-upon-Avon somewhere around April of 1564. Williams father was a successful local merchant in town and his mother an heiress. According to various records, William was the third of eight children born to John and Mary, three of whom passed away at birth. Little is known about the childhood of Shakespeare, and there is much speculation and guessing. William is said to have attended the free grammar school in Stratford where he excelled in Greek and Latin. One thing historians do know for sure, is that William Shakespeare never pursued a college degree.
            In November of 1582, William Shakespeare wed the already pregnant 26 year old Anne Hathaway. William was a mere 18 years of age. On May 26,1583 Anne gave birth to the couples first child, a girl, they named Susanna. Two-three years later the Anne gave birth once more to a set of twins, Hamnet and Judith. Hamnet later passed away at the age of eleven years. For several years after the birth of his children, Shakespeare was very reclusive. No one really knows how William Shakespeare occupied his time during these few years of solitude, but my guess would be with writing.
           Somewhere around 1588-1589, Shakespeare is said to have taken up residence in London where he began to make himself known as an actor and playwright. Shakespeare quickly became well known all around London and various other parts of England and by 1594, was writing, acting, and directing for the Lord Chamberlains Men. He also became the owner of The Globe theatre.
          Shakespeare's success was mounted more so after his death in 1623. His plays became published and his name and life became something to study. His plays have endured nearly 400 years, and are still being read, taught, and studied all around the world today. William Shakespeare truly was one of the greates writers of all time.

           Resource: http://www.bardweb.net/