William Shakespeare: Life, Plays, Sonnets & Globe Theatre
Encyclopedia/4. Arts & Literature/1. Literature, Mythology & Folklore/05. Literary Biographies • Curated by Admin Timeline.sg
Timeline of William Shakespeare's life, from his birth in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564 to the publication of the First Folio in 1623, covering his major plays, the Globe Theatre, and his enduring legacy.
Chronological Storyline (39 Milestones)
Apr 26, 1564 CE
William Shakespeare Baptized
William Shakespeare is baptized in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire. His exact birth date is unknown, but traditionally celebrated on April 23. #Shakespeare #birth #Stratford
William Shakespeare Baptized By Attributed to John Taylor - one or more third parties have made copyright claims against Wikimedia Commons in relation to the work from which this is sourced or a purely mechanical reproduction thereof. This may be due to recognition of the "sweat of the brow" doctrine, allowing works to be eligible for protection through skill and labour, and not purely by originality as is the case in the United States (where this website is hosted). These claims may or may not be valid in all jurisdictions. As such, use of this image in the jurisdiction of the claimant or other countries may be regarded as copyright infringement. Please see Commons:When to use the PD-Art tag for more information., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=147141653
Nov 28, 1582 CE
Shakespeare Marries Anne Hathaway
At age 18, Shakespeare marries Anne Hathaway, who is 26 and pregnant. The marriage license is issued by the Bishop of Worcester. #Shakespeare #marriage #AnneHathaway
Shakespeare Marries Anne Hathaway By JschneiderWiki - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=20262431
May 26, 1583 CE
Birth of Susanna Shakespeare
Shakespeare's first child, Susanna, is baptized in Stratford. She later marries Dr. John Hall. #Shakespeare #family #children
Birth of Susanna Shakespeare By Perine, George Edward, 1837-1885, printmaker. - engraved for the Eclectic by Perine & Giles., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=153009220
Feb 2, 1585 CE
Birth of Twins Hamnet and Judith
Shakespeare's twins, Hamnet and Judith, are baptized. Hamnet dies at age 11 in 1596. #Shakespeare #family #twins
1589 CE
Shakespeare in London (approx.)
Shakespeare is believed to have moved to London around this time to pursue a career in theatre. He becomes a founding member of the Lord Chamberlain's Men. #Shakespeare #London #theatre
1590 CE
Henry VI, Part 1 First Performed
Shakespeare's first history play, Henry VI, Part 1, is likely first performed. It marks the beginning of his dramatic career. #Shakespeare #play #history
Henry VI, Part 1 First Performed By William Shakespeare, Isaac Jaggard and Edward Blount (printers) - Folger Shakespeare Library Digital Image Collection http://luna.folger.edu/luna/servlet/s/jmz6eg, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=40907190
1592 CE
Plague Closes Theatres
A severe outbreak of bubonic plague in London forces theatres to close. Shakespeare turns to writing poetry, including Venus and Adonis. #Shakespeare #plague #poetry
Plague Closes Theatres By Richard Field - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Venus_and_Adonis_quarto.jpg, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2554987
Apr 18, 1593 CE
Venus and Adonis Published
Shakespeare's first published work, the narrative poem Venus and Adonis, is entered into the Stationers' Register. It becomes a popular success. #Shakespeare #poem #publication
1594 CE
Lord Chamberlain's Men Formed
Shakespeare becomes a shareholder and actor in the newly formed Lord Chamberlain's Men, a leading theatre company. They perform at The Theatre and later the Globe. #Shakespeare #theatre #company
1594 CE
The Rape of Lucrece Published
Shakespeare's second narrative poem, The Rape of Lucrece, is published. It is dedicated to Henry Wriothesley, Earl of Southampton. #Shakespeare #poem #publication
The Rape of Lucrece Published By Titian - Fitzwilliam Museum, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=159572
1595 CE
Romeo and Juliet First Performed
Shakespeare's tragic love story Romeo and Juliet is believed to have been first performed. It becomes one of his most famous plays. #Shakespeare #tragedy #love
Romeo and Juliet First Performed By Ford Madox Brown - http://www.whataboutclients.com/archives/2009/07/_ford_madox_bro_1.html , museum link, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=112030
Aug 11, 1596 CE
Hamnet Shakespeare Dies
Shakespeare's only son, Hamnet, dies at age 11. His death likely influences Shakespeare's later works, including Hamlet. #Shakespeare #death #family
1596 CE
A Midsummer Night's Dream First Performed
Shakespeare's comedic fantasy A Midsummer Night's Dream is likely first performed. It features fairies and magical mischief. #Shakespeare #comedy #fantasy
A Midsummer Night's Dream First Performed By John Simmons - Bonhams, London, New Bond Street, 9 Mar 2004, lot 86, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=54189400
1597 CE
The Merchant of Venice First Performed
Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, featuring the Jewish moneylender Shylock, is first performed. It raises themes of mercy and justice. #Shakespeare #comedy #justice
The Merchant of Venice First Performed By Unknown author - Unknown source, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1570180
1597 CE
Shakespeare Buys New Place
Shakespeare purchases New Place, a large house in Stratford-upon-Avon, demonstrating his financial success. He later retires there. #Shakespeare #Stratford #home
Shakespeare Buys New Place By George Vertue (1684-1746 - Sketch by George Vertue, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15322727
1598 CE
Henry IV, Part 1 First Performed
Shakespeare's history play Henry IV, Part 1, featuring the character Falstaff, is first performed. It is a major success. #Shakespeare #history #Falstaff
Henry IV, Part 1 First Performed By Edwin Austin Abbey - https://artgallery.yale.edu/collections/objects/61234, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=66591453
1599 CE
Julius Caesar First Performed
Shakespeare's tragedy Julius Caesar is likely first performed at the Globe. It explores themes of political conspiracy and betrayal. #Shakespeare #tragedy #Rome
Julius Caesar First Performed By Edwin Austin Abbey - https://artgallery.yale.edu/collections/objects/61227, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=77723424
1599 CE
Globe Theatre Opens
The Lord Chamberlain's Men build the Globe Theatre on the south bank of the Thames. Shakespeare becomes a part-owner. Many of his plays premiere here. #Shakespeare #theatre #Globe
Globe Theatre Opens By en:Wenceslaus Hollar - https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Wenceslaus-Hollar-The-second-Globe-playhouse-detail-from-A-View-from-St-Marys_fig16_254362678, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=149975427
1600 CE
Hamlet First Performed
Shakespeare's masterpiece Hamlet is believed to have been first performed around 1600. It is one of the most influential works in English literature. #Shakespeare #tragedy #Hamlet
Hamlet First Performed By J. Gurney & Son, N.Y. - 19th century photograph, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2745590
Feb 7, 1601 CE
Essex Rebellion and Richard II
Supporters of the Earl of Essex commission a performance of Shakespeare's Richard II, which depicts the deposition of a king. The rebellion fails. #Shakespeare #history #politics
Essex Rebellion and Richard II By James Northcote - https://artuk.org/discover/artworks/the-entry-of-richard-and-bolingbroke-into-london-95702/search/keyword:shakespeare/page/4, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=99548080
1601 CE
Twelfth Night First Performed
Shakespeare's comedy Twelfth Night is first performed. It features mistaken identities and themes of love and madness. #Shakespeare #comedy #love
Twelfth Night First Performed By Daniel Maclise - Art UK, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=91889987
Mar 24, 1603 CE
Death of Queen Elizabeth I
Queen Elizabeth I dies, ending the Tudor dynasty. James I ascends the throne, and Shakespeare's company gains royal patronage, becoming the King's Men. #Shakespeare #history #monarchy
Death of Queen Elizabeth I By Unidentified painter - one or more third parties have made copyright claims against Wikimedia Commons in relation to the work from which this is sourced or a purely mechanical reproduction thereof. This may be due to recognition of the "sweat of the brow" doctrine, allowing works to be eligible for protection through skill and labour, and not purely by originality as is the case in the United States (where this website is hosted). These claims may or may not be valid in all jurisdictions. As such, use of this image in the jurisdiction of the claimant or other countries may be regarded as copyright infringement. Please see Commons:When to use the PD-Art tag for more information., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4671195
1603 CE
King's Men Formed
King James I grants royal patronage to Shakespeare's company, renaming them the King's Men. They perform at court and the Globe. #Shakespeare #theatre #royal
1604 CE
Othello First Performed
Shakespeare's tragedy Othello, about jealousy and race, is first performed. It features the villain Iago. #Shakespeare #tragedy #jealousy
Othello First Performed By Théodore Chassériau - photo Shonagon 2026-01-02, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=189614051
1605 CE
King Lear First Performed
Shakespeare's tragedy King Lear is first performed. It explores themes of madness, family, and justice. #Shakespeare #tragedy #madness
King Lear First Performed By Ford Madox Brown - https://www.english.emory.edu/classes/Shakespeare_Illustrated/Brown.Portion.html, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1982371
1606 CE
Macbeth First Performed
Shakespeare's tragedy Macbeth, inspired by Scottish history, is first performed. It features the famous 'Scottish play' superstition. #Shakespeare #tragedy #Scotland
Macbeth First Performed By PastelKos - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=112619527
1606 CE
Antony and Cleopatra First Performed
Shakespeare's tragedy Antony and Cleopatra is likely first performed. It dramatizes the love affair between Mark Antony and Cleopatra. #Shakespeare #tragedy #Rome
Antony and Cleopatra First Performed By Edwin Austin Abbey - https://artgallery.yale.edu/collections/objects/41497, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=99535699
1607 CE
Coriolanus First Performed
Shakespeare's tragedy Coriolanus, based on Roman history, is first performed. It explores themes of pride and politics. #Shakespeare #tragedy #Rome
Coriolanus First Performed By Thomas Lawrence - Art UK: entry john-philip-kemble-17571823-as-coriolanus-51174, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=39807194
1608 CE
Pericles, Prince of Tyre First Performed
Shakespeare's romance Pericles, Prince of Tyre is first performed. It is co-written with George Wilkins and features a journey of loss and reunion. #Shakespeare #romance #adventure
Pericles, Prince of Tyre First Performed By William Shakespeare, George Wilkins, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12007823
May 20, 1609 CE
Shakespeare's Sonnets Published
Shakespeare's collection of 154 sonnets is published by Thomas Thorpe. The sonnets explore love, beauty, and mortality. #Shakespeare #poetry #sonnets
Shakespeare's Sonnets Published By William Shakespeare - Folger Shakespeare Library, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11041725
1609 CE
Cymbeline First Performed
Shakespeare's romance Cymbeline is first performed. It blends tragedy and comedy with a plot involving a British king. #Shakespeare #romance #Britain
Cymbeline First Performed By Wilhelm Ferdinand Souchon - http://www.binbin.net/compare/Imogen-from-Shakespeares-Cymbeline-1872-Giclee-Print.htm, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15211953
1610 CE
The Winter's Tale First Performed
Shakespeare's romance The Winter's Tale is first performed. It features a famous stage direction: 'Exit, pursued by a bear.' #Shakespeare #romance #bear
The Winter's Tale First Performed By John Opie - This image is available from the United States Library of Congress's Prints and Photographs division under the digital ID pga.02782.This tag does not indicate the copyright status of the attached work. A normal copyright tag is still required. See Commons:Licensing., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6224334
1611 CE
The Tempest First Performed
Shakespeare's romance The Tempest, likely his last sole-authored play, is first performed. It features the magician Prospero. #Shakespeare #romance #magic
The Tempest First Performed By William Shakespeare, Isaac Jaggard and Edward Blount (printers) - Folger Shakespeare Library Digital Image Collection http://luna.folger.edu/luna/servlet/s/e5fhy8, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=40907202
1612 CE
Henry VIII Co-Written and Performed
Shakespeare collaborates with John Fletcher on Henry VIII. During a performance, the Globe Theatre catches fire and burns down. #Shakespeare #history #collaboration
Henry VIII Co-Written and Performed By William Shakespeare, Thomas Cotes (printer) and John Smethwick (publisher) - Folger Library Digital Image Collection http://luna.folger.edu/luna/servlet/s/c478hk, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=40861940
Jun 29, 1613 CE
Globe Theatre Burns Down
A cannon shot during a performance of Henry VIII sets fire to the thatched roof of the Globe, destroying the theatre. It is rebuilt the following year. #Shakespeare #theatre #fire
1614 CE
Globe Theatre Rebuilt
The Globe Theatre is rebuilt with a tiled roof and opens again. Shakespeare's involvement in the new theatre is limited as he spends more time in Stratford. #Shakespeare #theatre #rebuild
Mar 25, 1616 CE
Shakespeare Signs Will
Shakespeare signs his last will and testament, famously leaving his wife his 'second-best bed.' The will provides insight into his personal life. #Shakespeare #will #legacy
Apr 23, 1616 CE
William Shakespeare Dies
Shakespeare dies at age 52 in Stratford-upon-Avon, traditionally on his birthday. He is buried in Holy Trinity Church. #Shakespeare #death #Stratford
Nov 8, 1623 CE
First Folio Published
Shakespeare's collected plays are published in the First Folio by John Heminges and Henry Condell. It preserves 36 plays, 18 of which were previously unpublished. #Shakespeare #FirstFolio #publication
First Folio Published By William Shakespeare - Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=84956432
