William Shakespeare was the son of John Shakespeare, a leather merchant, and Mary Arden, daughter of a local farmer. Church records prove that Shakespeare was one of eight children to the Shakespeare household,

Next in Shakespeare’s life was his marriage to Anne Hathaway. Shakespeare was 18, but Anne was 26, and she was pregnant. The couple were married on November 26th 1582. Their first child Susannah was born on May 26th 1583. Finally came along the twins, Hamnet and Judith on February 2nd 1585. Sadly, Hamnet died during her childhood at the age of 11.

For seven years, Shakespeare disappears from all records, and this has now been called ‘ The lost years. ‘ In 1592, William turned up in London. By 1594 Shakespeare was acting and writing plays. William’s success meant that he could buy a new house, and he retired in Stratford in the year 1611.

William Shakespeare also wrote his will in 1611, ( a copy of the will is in the project. ) and it is alleged that he died on his Birthday, April 23rd 1616, 53 years of age.

Anne Hathaway’s Cottage.