William Shakespeare: Stratford Childhood, Globe Theatre, Tragedies & Sonnets
Encyclopedia/4. Arts & Literature/1. Literature, Mythology & Folklore/05. Literary Biographies • Curated by Admin Timeline.sg
William Shakespeare (1564-1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. His works, including tragedies like Hamlet, comedies like A Midsummer Night's Dream, and historical plays, have been performed and studied globally for centuries.
Chronological Storyline (40 Milestones)
Apr 26, 1564 CE
William Shakespeare Baptized
William Shakespeare is baptized at Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon. The exact birth date is unknown but traditionally celebrated on April 23. #history #literature
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
Shakespeare, aged 18, marries Anne Hathaway, who is 26, at Temple Grafton. The marriage license is issued on November 27, and the wedding likely takes place the next day. #history #marriage
May 26, 1583 CE
Daughter Susanna Baptized
Shakespeare's first child, Susanna, is baptized in Stratford. She later becomes a respected member of the community. #family #history
Daughter Susanna Baptized 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
Twins Hamnet and Judith Baptized
Shakespeare's twin children, Hamnet and Judith, are baptized. Hamnet dies at age 11 in 1596, which may have influenced Shakespeare's later works. #family #history
Sep 12, 1592 CE
Greene's Groatsworth of Wit
Robert Greene's pamphlet alludes to Shakespeare as an 'upstart crow,' the first known reference to him in London's theatrical world. #literature #history
Greene's Groatsworth of Wit By Robert Greene - Internet Archive, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=63309331
1593 CE
Venus and Adonis Published
Shakespeare's first published work, the narrative poem Venus and Adonis, is printed. It is dedicated to Henry Wriothesley, Earl of Southampton. #poetry #literature )
Venus and Adonis Published 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
1594 CE
The Rape of Lucrece Published
Shakespeare's second narrative poem, The Rape of Lucrece, is published. It further establishes his reputation as a poet. #poetry #literature
The Rape of Lucrece Published By Titian - Fitzwilliam Museum, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=159572
1594 CE
Lord Chamberlain's Men Formed
Shakespeare becomes a founding member and sharer of the Lord Chamberlain's Men, an acting company that later becomes the King's Men. #theatre #history
1595 CE
Romeo and Juliet Written
Shakespeare writes Romeo and Juliet, a tragedy about young star-crossed lovers. It becomes one of his most performed plays. #drama #literature
Romeo and Juliet Written 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. The loss may have influenced later works like Hamlet and The Winter's Tale. #family #tragedy
1596 CE
A Midsummer Night's Dream Written
Shakespeare writes A Midsummer Night's Dream, a romantic comedy set in an enchanted forest. It features fairies and lovers. #drama #comedy
A Midsummer Night's Dream Written 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 Merry Wives of Windsor Written
Shakespeare writes The Merry Wives of Windsor, a comedy featuring the character Falstaff. It is said to have been written at the request of Queen Elizabeth I. #drama #comedy
The Merry Wives of Windsor Written By User: Barney Jenkins. Created by printer "T.C." in 1602 - en:wiki, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10406332
1597 CE
Purchase of New Place
Shakespeare buys New Place, the second-largest house in Stratford-upon-Avon, indicating his financial success. #history #property
Purchase of New Place By George Vertue (1684-1746 - Sketch by George Vertue, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15322727
1598 CE
Much Ado About Nothing Written
Shakespeare writes Much Ado About Nothing, a comedy about misunderstandings and witty banter between Beatrice and Benedick. #drama #comedy
Much Ado About Nothing Written By Unknown author, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1575215
1599 CE
Globe Theatre Built
The Globe Theatre, the primary performance venue for Shakespeare's plays, is built on the south bank of the Thames. Shakespeare becomes a shareholder. #theatre #history
Globe Theatre Built 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
1599 CE
Henry V Written
Shakespeare writes Henry V, a history play depicting the English victory at Agincourt. It includes the famous St. Crispin's Day speech. #drama #history )
Henry V Written By William Shakespeare - Title page Henry V, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11998603
1600 CE
As You Like It Written
Shakespeare writes As You Like It, a pastoral comedy set in the Forest of Arden. It includes the famous 'All the world's a stage' speech. #drama #comedy
As You Like It Written By William Shakespeare - Schoenberg Center for Electronic Text & Image (SCETI), Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12769959
Feb 7, 1601 CE
Essex Rebellion: Richard II Performed
Supporters of the Earl of Essex commission a performance of Shakespeare's Richard II, which includes a scene of deposition, before the rebellion. #history #theatre
1601 CE
Hamlet Written
Shakespeare writes Hamlet, arguably his most famous tragedy. The play explores themes of revenge, madness, and mortality. #drama #tragedy
Hamlet Written By J. Gurney & Son, N.Y. - 19th century photograph, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2745590
1602 CE
Troilus and Cressida Written
Shakespeare writes Troilus and Cressida, a problem play set during the Trojan War. It blends comedy and tragedy. #drama #literature
Troilus and Cressida Written By John Opie - https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/opie-portrait-of-a-lady-in-the-character-of-cressida-n01026, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=76028789
1603 CE
Othello Written
Shakespeare writes Othello, a tragedy about jealousy and racial prejudice. It features one of the first black protagonists in English drama. #drama #tragedy
Othello Written By Théodore Chassériau - photo Shonagon 2026-01-02, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=189614051
1603 CE
King James I Ascends; Lord Chamberlain's Men Become King's Men
Upon James I's accession, the Lord Chamberlain's Men are renamed the King's Men, becoming the royal acting company. #history #theatre )
1604 CE
Measure for Measure Written
Shakespeare writes Measure for Measure, a problem play about justice, mercy, and morality in Vienna. #drama #literature
Measure for Measure Written By Unknown author - https://artuk.org/discover/artworks/john-philip-kemble-17571823-as-vicentio-in-measure-for-measure-by-william-shakespeare-1794-31573/search/keyword:shakespeare/page/3, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=99548364
1605 CE
King Lear Written
Shakespeare writes King Lear, a tragedy about an aging king and his three daughters. It is considered one of his greatest works. #drama #tragedy
King Lear Written 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
Antony and Cleopatra Written
Shakespeare writes Antony and Cleopatra, a tragedy about the Roman general and Egyptian queen. It is known for its grand language and themes. #drama #tragedy
Antony and Cleopatra Written By Edwin Austin Abbey - https://artgallery.yale.edu/collections/objects/41497, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=99535699
1606 CE
Macbeth Written
Shakespeare writes Macbeth, a tragedy about ambition and guilt, inspired by Scottish history. It is likely performed for King James I. #drama #tragedy
Macbeth Written By PastelKos - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=112619527
1607 CE
Timon of Athens Written
Shakespeare writes Timon of Athens, a tragedy about a wealthy Athenian who becomes misanthropic after losing his fortune. #drama #tragedy
Timon of Athens Written By Thomas Couture - Online Collection of Brooklyn Museum; Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 06.64_SL1.jpg, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10959026
1607 CE
Coriolanus Written
Shakespeare writes Coriolanus, a Roman tragedy about political conflict and military heroism. #drama #tragedy
Coriolanus Written 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 Written
Shakespeare writes Pericles, a romance or tragicomedy. It features shipwrecks and family reunions. #drama #romance
Pericles, Prince of Tyre Written By William Shakespeare, George Wilkins, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12007823
1609 CE
Cymbeline Written
Shakespeare writes Cymbeline, a romance set in ancient Britain. It combines themes of betrayal and reconciliation. #drama #romance
Cymbeline Written 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
1609 CE
Shakespeare's Sonnets Published
Thomas Thorpe publishes Shakespeare's Sonnets, a collection of 154 sonnets. The first 126 are addressed to a young man, the rest to a 'dark lady.' #poetry #literature
Shakespeare's Sonnets Published By William Shakespeare - Folger Shakespeare Library, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11041725
1610 CE
The Winter's Tale Written
Shakespeare writes The Winter's Tale, a romance with themes of jealousy and redemption. It includes the famous stage direction 'Exit, pursued by a bear.' #drama #romance
The Winter's Tale Written 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 Written
Shakespeare writes The Tempest, his final sole-authored play. It features magic, a shipwreck, and themes of forgiveness. #drama #romance
The Tempest Written 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 Written (with John Fletcher)
Shakespeare collaborates with John Fletcher on Henry VIII, a history play. It is performed at the Globe in 1613. #drama #history )
Henry VIII Written (with John Fletcher) 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
During a performance of Henry VIII, a cannon misfire sets fire to the thatched roof of the Globe Theatre, destroying it. It is rebuilt the following year. #history #theatre
1613 CE
Retirement to Stratford
Shakespeare retires to Stratford-upon-Avon, where he lives at New Place. He continues to write occasionally. #biography #history
Mar 25, 1616 CE
Shakespeare Signs His Will
Shakespeare signs his will, famously leaving his 'second-best bed' to his wife Anne Hathaway. He dies about a month later. #history #family
Apr 23, 1616 CE
William Shakespeare Dies
Shakespeare dies in Stratford-upon-Avon, traditionally on his 52nd birthday. His cause of death is unknown. He is buried in Holy Trinity Church. #history #literature
1623 CE
First Folio Published
John Heminges and Henry Condell publish Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies (the First Folio), preserving 36 plays, 18 of which had never been printed before. #literature #history
First Folio Published By William Shakespeare - Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=84956432
Sep 2, 1642 CE
Theatres Closed by Puritans
The Puritan Parliament orders the closure of all London theatres, including the Globe, which is later demolished. Shakespeare's plays continue to be read. #history #theatre
Theatres Closed by Puritans By Rodw - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=35061863
